Blends of low-density polyethylene with nylon compatibilized with a sodium-neutralized carboxylate ionomer

Recycling Polyethylene/Polyamide Multilayer Films with Poly(isoprene-g-Maleic Anhydride) Compatibilizer

Polymers generally form incompatible mixtures that make the process of recycling difficult, especially the mechanical recycling of mixed plastic waste. One of the most commonly used films in the packaging industry is multilayer films, mainly composed of polyethylene (PE) and polyamide (PA). Recycling these materials with such different molecular structures requires the use of compatibilizers to minimize phase separation and obtain more useful recycled materials. In this work, commercial polyisoprene-graft-maleic anhydride (PI-g-MA) was tested as a compatibilizer for a blend of PE and PA derived from the mechanical recycling of PE/PA multilayer films. Different amounts of PI-g-MA were tested, and the films made with 1.5% PI-g-MA showed the best results in terms of mechanical properties and dart impact. The films were also characterized thermally via thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and morphologically using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Other parameters, such as tearing and perforation, were analyzed.

Bio-Polyethylene Composites Based on Sugar Cane and Curauá Fiber: An Experimental Study

For the purpose of renewable materials applications, Curauá fiber treated with 5% sodium hydroxide was added to high-density biopolyethylene, using an entirely Brazilian raw material of sugarcane ethanol. Polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride was used as a compatibilizer. With the addition of curauá fiber, the crystallinity was reduced, possibly due to interactions in the crystalline matrix. A positive thermal resistance effect was observed for the maximum degradation temperatures of the biocomposites. When curauá fiber was added (5% by weight), the morphology showed interfacial adhesion, greater energy storage and damping capacity. Although curauá fiber additions did not affect the yield strength of high-density bio polyethylene, its fracture toughness improved. With the addition of curauá fiber (5% by weight), the fracture strain was greatly reduced to about 52%, the impact strength was also reduced, suggesting a reinforcing effect. Concomitantly, the modulus and the maximum bending stress, as well as the Shore D hardness of the curauá fiber biocomposites (at 3 and 5% by weight), were improved. Two important aspects of product viability were achieved. First, there was no change in processability and, second, with the addition of small amounts of curauá fiber, there was a gain in the specific properties of the biopolymer. The resulting synergies can help ensure more sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing of automotive products.

Ionic compatibilization of polypropylene/polyamide 6 blends using an ionic liquids/nanotalc filler combination: morphology, thermal and mechanical properties

In this study, room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) based on phosphonium cations have been used as effective compatibilizers of polyolefin/polyamide 6/synthetic talc blends using a melt extrusion process.

Reometria de torque, propriedades mecânicas e morfologia de blendas compatibilizadas de PA6/PEAD

Neste trabalho investigamos o efeito de diferentes compatibilizantes na reometria de torque, propriedades mecânicas e morfologia das blendas de PA6/PEAD. As blendas foram preparadas em uma extrusora dupla-rosca contra-rotativa com filetes totalmente interpenetrantes, a 240 °C em todas as zonas e velocidade de 50 rpm. A composição das blendas foi de 80/20 (% em peso) para as blendas binárias de PA6/PEAD e de 80/10/10 (% em peso) para as blendas ternárias de PA6/Compatibilizante/PEAD. Os resultados mostraram que houve um aumento no torque das blendas de PA6/PEAD com a adição dos compatibilizantes. O compatibilizante PEgAA foi o que apresentou maior reatividade com a PA6. Entretanto, foi observada uma redução no torque devido à degradação. Os resultados de propriedades mecânicas mostraram que houve aumento considerável na resistência ao impacto das blendas de PA6/PEAD quando os compatibilizantes foram adicionados. Estes resultados foram corroborados pelos dados de deformação na ruptura sob tração. Os resultados de MEV mostraram que a adição dos compatibilizantes às blendas de PA6/PEAD reduziu significativamente o tamanho médio das partículas de PEAD, e melhorou a adesão entre as fases desses polímeros, resultando principalmente, em um aumento da resistência ao impacto.