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Staplevan MJ, Ansari AJ, Ahmed A, Hai FI. Impact of bioplastic contamination on the mechanical recycling of conventional plastics. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 185:1-9. [PMID: 38815529 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2024.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Quality assurance of a recycled product is currently one of the biggest issues that the plastic recycling industry faces. The purity of the input plastic waste stream has significant influence over the quality of the recycled product. This research evaluated the impact of polylactic acid (PLA) contamination within the input waste stream of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) recycling. The ultimate tensile strength was noted to reduce by 50% when PLA contamination was at 10%. An investigation into the effect that UVA radiation (simulating solar radiation) has on HDPE contaminated with PLA was also performed to determine the long-term effect of the bioplastic contamination. After UVA treatment, the ultimate tensile strength was reported to reduce by 51% when PLA contamination was only at 2.5%. A water contact angle analysis indicated the PLA contamination increased the hydrophilic nature of the HDPE sheets, potentially creating issues if the intended use of the recycled product was to store liquids. Microscopic analysis of the HDPE sheets contaminated with PLA showed deformations, ridges, cracks, and holes appear on the surface due to the immiscibility of the two polymers that was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Colour changes were visibly noted, with UVA exposure increasing the rate of colour change. Based on the findings in this study, PLA contamination of even 1% in a HDPE waste stream would significantly reduce the quality of the recycled product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Staplevan
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Laboratory, School of Civil, Mining, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Ashley J Ansari
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Laboratory, School of Civil, Mining, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Aziz Ahmed
- School of Civil, Mining, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Faisal I Hai
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Laboratory, School of Civil, Mining, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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2
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Baimark Y, Srihanam P, Srisuwan Y. Thermal, Morphological, Mechanical, and Biodegradation Properties of Poly(L-lactide)- b-poly(ethylene glycol)- b-poly(L-lactide)/High-Density Polyethylene Blends. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2078. [PMID: 39065395 PMCID: PMC11280494 DOI: 10.3390/polym16142078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polymer blends of poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lactide) (PLLA-PEG-PLLA) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with different blend ratios were prepared by a melt blending method. The thermal, morphological, mechanical, opacity, and biodegradation properties of the PLLA-PEG-PLLA/HDPE blends were investigated and compared to the PLLA/HDPE blends. The blending of HDPE improved the crystallization ability and thermal stability of the PLLA-PEG-PLLA; however, these properties were not improved for the PLLA. The morphology of the blended films showed that the PLLA-PEG-PLLA/HDPE blends had smaller dispersed phases compared to the PLLA/HDPE blends. The PLLA-PEG-PLLA/HDPE blends exhibited higher flexibility, lower opacity, and faster biodegradation and bioerosion in soil than the PLLA/HDPE blends. Therefore, these PLLA-PEG-PLLA/HDPE blends have a good potential for use as flexible and partially biodegradable materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yodthong Baimark
- Biodegradable Polymers Research Unit, Department of Chemistry and Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham 44150, Thailand; (P.S.); (Y.S.)
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3
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Agrisuelas J, Balart R, García-Jareño JJ, López-Martínez J, Vicente F. A Macroscopic Interpretation of the Correlation between Electrical Percolation and Mechanical Properties of Poly-(Ethylene Vinyl Acetate)/Zn Composites. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:2527. [PMID: 38893791 PMCID: PMC11173855 DOI: 10.3390/ma17112527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Elastic composites were prepared using a procedure involving hot plates and zinc powder that was directly dispersed into an EVA matrix. The correlation between the zinc content and the conductive properties of the material was studied via impedance spectroscopy, the thermal properties of the material were studied via differential calorimetry and the mechanical properties of the composites were studied via tensile strength curves, representing an important advancement in the characterization of this type of composite material. The composites' tensile strength and elongation at break decrease with the addition of filler since zinc particles act as stress-concentrating centres, while the composites' hardness and Young's modulus increase because of an increase in the stiffness of the material. The AC perturbation across the EVA/Zn composites was characterized using an RC parallel equivalent circuit that allowed us to easily measure their resistivity (ρp) and permittivity (εp). The dependence of these electrical magnitudes on the zinc content is correlated with their mechanical properties across the characteristic time constant τp = ρp·εp of this equivalent circuit. The dependence of the mechanical and electrical magnitudes on the zinc content is consistent with the formation of percolation clusters. The addition of graphite particles increases their potential performance. Three possible mechanisms for the electrical transport of the ac-perturbation across the EVA/Zn composites have been identified. Chemical corrosion in acid media causes the loss of zinc surface particles, but their bulk physical properties practically remain constant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerónimo Agrisuelas
- Laboratory of Electrochemistry, Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Valencia, C/Dr. Moliner 50, E-46100 Burjassot, Spain; (J.A.); (J.J.G.-J.)
| | - Rafael Balart
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación de Tecnología de los Materiales (IUITM), Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), E-03801 Alcoy, Spain; (R.B.); (J.L.-M.)
| | - José J. García-Jareño
- Laboratory of Electrochemistry, Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Valencia, C/Dr. Moliner 50, E-46100 Burjassot, Spain; (J.A.); (J.J.G.-J.)
| | - Juan López-Martínez
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación de Tecnología de los Materiales (IUITM), Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), E-03801 Alcoy, Spain; (R.B.); (J.L.-M.)
| | - Francisco Vicente
- Laboratory of Electrochemistry, Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Valencia, C/Dr. Moliner 50, E-46100 Burjassot, Spain; (J.A.); (J.J.G.-J.)
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4
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Bernardes GP, Andrade MP, Poletto M, Luiz NR, Santana RMC, Forte MMDC. Evaluation of Thermal Decomposition Kinetics of Poly (Lactic Acid)/Ethylene Elastomer (EE) Blends. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4324. [PMID: 37960004 PMCID: PMC10648464 DOI: 10.3390/polym15214324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The influences of ethylene-based elastomer (EE) and the compatibilizer agent ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate (EBAGMA) on the thermal degradation of PLA/EE blends were evaluated by the thermal degradation kinetics and thermodynamic parameters using thermogravimetry. The presence of EE and EBAGMA synergistically improved the PLA thermal stability. The temperature of 10% of mass loss (T10%) of PLA was around 365 °C, while in the compatibilized PLA/EE blend, this property increased to 370 °C. The PLA average activation energy (Ea¯) reduced in the PLA/EE blend (from 96 kJ/mol to 78 kJ/mol), while the presence of EBAGMA in the PLA/EE blend increased the Ea¯ due to a better blend compatibilization. The solid-state thermal degradation of the PLA and PLA/EE blends was classified as a D-type degradation mechanism. In general, the addition of EE increased the thermodynamic parameters when compared to PLA and the compatibilized blend due to the increase in the collision rate between the components over the thermal decomposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giordano P. Bernardes
- Department of Mechatronic Engineering, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo, Ash Lane, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland
| | - Matheus P. Andrade
- Postgraduate Program in Engineering of Processes and Technologies (PGEPROTEC), University of Caxias Do Sul (UCS), Caxias Do Sul 95070-560, Brazil;
| | - Matheus Poletto
- Postgraduate Program in Engineering of Processes and Technologies (PGEPROTEC), University of Caxias Do Sul (UCS), Caxias Do Sul 95070-560, Brazil;
| | - Nathália R. Luiz
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials (LAPOL), School of Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90010-150, Brazil; (N.R.L.); (R.M.C.S.); (M.M.d.C.F.)
| | - Ruth M. C. Santana
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials (LAPOL), School of Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90010-150, Brazil; (N.R.L.); (R.M.C.S.); (M.M.d.C.F.)
| | - Maria M. de C. Forte
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials (LAPOL), School of Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90010-150, Brazil; (N.R.L.); (R.M.C.S.); (M.M.d.C.F.)
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5
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Murillo EA. In situ compatibilization of thermoplastic starch/polylactic acid blends using citric acid. Macromol Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s13233-023-00127-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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Arman Alim AA, Baharum A, Mohammad Shirajuddin SS, Anuar FH. Blending of Low-Density Polyethylene and Poly(Butylene Succinate) (LDPE/PBS) with Polyethylene-Graft-Maleic Anhydride (PE-g-MA) as a Compatibilizer on the Phase Morphology, Mechanical and Thermal Properties. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15020261. [PMID: 36679142 PMCID: PMC9860711 DOI: 10.3390/polym15020261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is of significant concern that the buildup of non-biodegradable plastic waste in the environment may result in long-term issues with the environment, the economy and waste management. In this study, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was compounded with different contents of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) at 10-50 wt.%, to evaluate the potential of replacing commercial plastics with a biodegradable renewable polymer, PBS for packaging applications. The morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of the LDPE/PBS blends were examined in relation to the effect of polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) as a compatibilizer. LDPE/PBS/PE-g-MA blends were fabricated via the melt blending method using an internal mixer and then were compression molded into test samples. The presence of LDPE, PBS and PE-g-MA individually in the matrix for each blend presented physical interaction between the constituents, as shown by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphology of LDPE/PBS/PE-g-MA blends showed improved compatibility and homogeneity between the LDPE matrix and PBS phase. Compatibilized LDPE/PBS blends showed an improvement in the tensile strength, with 5 phr of compatibilizer providing the optimal content. The thermal stability of LDPE/PBS blends decreased with higher PBS content and the thermal stability of compatibilized blends was higher in contrast to the uncompatibilized blends. Therefore, our research demonstrated that the partial substitution of LDPE with a biodegradable PBS and the incorporation of the PE-g-MA compatibilizer could develop an innovative blend with improved structural, mechanical and thermal properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina Aqila Arman Alim
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Azizah Baharum
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
- Polymer Research Center (PORCE), Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Farah Hannan Anuar
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
- Polymer Research Center (PORCE), Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
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7
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Sempere-Torregrosa J, Ferri JM, de la Rosa-Ramírez H, Pavon C, Samper MD. Effect of Epoxidized and Maleinized Corn Oil on Properties of Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) Blend. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14194205. [PMID: 36236152 PMCID: PMC9571960 DOI: 10.3390/polym14194205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The present work analyzes the influence of modified, epoxidized and maleinized corn oil as a plasticizing and/or compatibilizing agent in the PLA-PHB blend (75% PLA and 25% PHB wt.%). The chemical modification processes of corn oil were successfully carried out and different quantities were used, between 0 and 10% wt.%. The different blends obtained were characterized by thermal, mechanical, morphological, and disintegration tests under composting conditions. It was observed that to achieve the same plasticizing effect, less maleinized corn oil (MCO) is needed than epoxidized corn oil (ECO). Both oils improve the ductile properties of the PLA-PHB blend, such as elongation at break and impact absorb energy, however, the strength properties decrease. The ones that show the highest ductility values are those that contain 10% ECO and 5% MCO, improving the elongation of the break of the PLA-PHB blend by more than 400% and by more than 800% for the sample PLA.
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8
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Optimize PLA/EVA Polymers Blend Compositional Coating for Next Generation Biodegradable Drug-Eluting Stents. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14173547. [PMID: 36080621 PMCID: PMC9460680 DOI: 10.3390/polym14173547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In this research work, polymer blends of poly-lactic acid (PLA)/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) were prepared as the drug carrier materials for a bi-layer drug-loaded coating film for coronary stents. Different optimum compositions of blends were prepared by using an intense mixer. Then, the blends were hot-pressed and later cold-pressed to prepare for films of different thickness. The changes in weight, surface analysis and biodegradability with increasing time were studied using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), weight loss and biodegradability tests. The mechanical and thermal properties of drug-loaded films were studied through universal testing machine (UTM) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The effects of PLA, EVA and drug contents on in-vitro drug contents were investigated through the Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-VIS) chemical analysis technique. The results obtained clearly showed that the addition of PLA promoted the unleashing of the drug whereas the addition of EVA nearly did not have the same affect. The mechanical properties of these various films can be tuned by adjusting the contents of blend parts. The factors affecting the unleashing of the drug became a serious matter of concern in evaluating the performance of bio-resorbable drug eluting stents. As a result, today’s chemical blends may be useful drug carrier materials for drug-loaded tube coatings capable delivering purgative drug in an incredibly tunable and regulated manner.
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Tang X, Liu C, Keum J, Chen J, Dial BE, Wang Y, Tsai WY, Bras W, Saito T, Bowland CC, Chen XC. Upcycling of semicrystalline polymers by compatibilization: mechanism and location of compatibilizers. RSC Adv 2022; 12:10886-10894. [PMID: 35425049 PMCID: PMC8988659 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra09452a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
With the continuous increase of global plastics production, there is a demand to develop energy efficient processes to transform mixed plastic wastes into new products with enhanced utility – a concept that is often referred to as upcycling. Compatibilization is one of the most promising strategies to upcycle communal waste plastics. In this work, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), both widely used semicrystalline packaging polymers, are used as the target polymer blend. We systematically evaluate and compare three commercial ethylene copolymer based compatibilizers, ELVALOY™ AC 2016 Acrylate Copolymer (EAA), ELVALOY™ PTW Copolymer (PTW), and SURLYN™ 1802 Ionomer (Surlyn). They represent different compatibilization mechanisms. Furthermore, this work tackles a challenging question: where the compatibilizers are located in the blend. We discover that the location of the compatibilizer molecules can be predicted by comparing the crystallinity change of PET and HDPE in binary and ternary systems. Gaining this knowledge will facilitate root cause analysis of an ineffective compatibilizer and guide the design strategy to upcycle commingled waste plastics. Comparing the effect of a compatibilizer on the crystallinity of a semicrystalline polymer blend and its individual components is a facile way to predict the location and morphology of the compatibilizer.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Tang
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge TN 37830 USA
| | - Changhao Liu
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge TN 37830 USA
| | - Jong Keum
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge TN 37830 USA.,Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge TN 37830 USA
| | - Jihua Chen
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge TN 37830 USA
| | - Brent E Dial
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge TN 37830 USA
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge TN 37830 USA
| | - Wan-Yu Tsai
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge TN 37830 USA
| | - Wim Bras
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge TN 37830 USA
| | - Tomonori Saito
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge TN 37830 USA
| | | | - X Chelsea Chen
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge TN 37830 USA
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Kadanyo S, Gumbi NN, Matindi CN, Dlamini DS, Hu Y, Cui Z, Wang H, Hu M, Li J. Enhancing compatibility and hydrophilicity of polysulfone/poly (ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) copolymer blend ultrafiltration membranes using polyethylene glycol as hydrophilic additive and compatibilizer. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.120523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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11
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Rodríguez LJ, Álvarez‐Láinez ML, Orrego CE. Optimization of processing conditions and mechanical properties of banana fiber‐reinforced polylactic acid/high‐density polyethylene biocomposites. J Appl Polym Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/app.51501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Joana Rodríguez
- Department of Industrial Engineering Universidad Nacional of Colombia Manizales Colombia
| | | | - Carlos E. Orrego
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Agroindustria, Departamento de Física y Química Universidad Nacional de Colombia Manizales Caldas Colombia
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Fortelný I, Jůza J. The Effects of Copolymer Compatibilizers on the Phase Structure Evolution in Polymer Blends-A Review. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14247786. [PMID: 34947377 PMCID: PMC8707745 DOI: 10.3390/ma14247786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper summarizes the results of studies describing the effect of block and graft copolymers on the phase structure formation and evolution in immiscible polymer blends. The main phenomenological rules for prediction of the copolymer compatibilization efficiency are briefly described and compared with selected experimental data. The results of the theories of equilibrium distribution of a copolymer between the blend interface and the bulk phases and its effect on the blend interfacial tension are summarized. The theories of the compatibilizer effect on the droplet breakup in flow are analyzed. The mechanisms of the copolymer effect on the coalescence of droplets in flow are compared and their effect on the droplet size is shown. The problems of reliable description of the effect of a copolymer on the coalescence in quiescent state are presented. Obstacles to derivation of a realistic theory of the copolymer effect on the competition between the droplet breakup and coalescence are discussed. Selected experimental data are compared with the theoretical results.
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Mendoza-Duarte ME, Estrada-Moreno IA, García-Casillas PE, Vega-Rios A. Stiff-Elongated Balance of PLA-Based Polymer Blends. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13244279. [PMID: 34960830 PMCID: PMC8703449 DOI: 10.3390/polym13244279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, polymer blends with a mechanical property balance based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA), stiff polymer, and elongated polymer were developed. First, the binary blends PLA-elongated polymer [ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyethylene], or PLA-stiff polymer [polystyrene or poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) (SMMA)] blends were studied using dynamic mechanic analysis (DMA) and analyzed using Minitab statistical software to determine the factors influencing the elongation or stiffness of the blends. Then, ternary blends such as elongation-poly(lactic acid)-stiff, were made from the binary blends that presented optimal performance. In addition, three blends [EVA–PLA–SMMA (EPS)] were elaborated by studying the mixing time (5, 15, and 15 min) and the added time of the SMMA (0, 0, and 10 min). Specifically, the mixing time for EPS 1, EPS 2, and EPS 3 is 5 min, 15 min, and 15 min (first EVA + PLA for 10 min, plus 5 min PLA-EVA and SMMA), respectively. Mechanical, thermal, rheological, and morphological properties of the blends were studied. According to DMA, the results show an increase in elongation at break (εb) and do not decrease the elastic module of poly(lactic acid). Nevertheless, EPS 3 excels in all properties, with an εb of 67% and modulus of elasticity similar to PLA. SMMA has a significant role as a compatibilizing agent and improves PLA processability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Elvira Mendoza-Duarte
- Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, S.C., Av. Miguel de Cervantes #120, Chihuahua 31136, Mexico;
- Instituto de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua 32310, Mexico
| | | | - Perla Elvia García-Casillas
- Instituto de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua 32310, Mexico
- Correspondence: (P.E.G.-C.); (A.V.-R.)
| | - Alejandro Vega-Rios
- Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, S.C., Av. Miguel de Cervantes #120, Chihuahua 31136, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (P.E.G.-C.); (A.V.-R.)
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14
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Production of Eco-Sustainable Materials: Compatibilizing Action in Poly (Lactic Acid)/High-Density Biopolyethylene Bioblends. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132112157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Motivated by environment preservation, the increased use of eco-friendly materials such as biodegradable polymers and biopolymers has raised the interest of researchers and the polymer industry. In this approach, this work aimed to produce bioblends using poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and high-density biopolyethylene (BioPE); due to the low compatibility between these polymers, this work evaluated the additional influence of the compatibilizing agents: poly (ethylene octene) and ethylene elastomer grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (POE-g-GMA and EE-g-GMA, respectively), polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA), polyethylene grafted with acrylic acid (PE-g-AA) and the block copolymer styrene (ethylene-butylene)-styrene grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MA) to the thermal, mechanical, thermomechanical, wettability and morphological properties of PLA/BioPE. Upon the compatibilizing agents’ addition, there was an increase in the degree of crystallinity observed by DSC (2.3–7.6% related to PLA), in the thermal stability as verified by TG (6–15 °C for TD10%, 6–11 °C TD50% and 112–121 °C for TD99.9% compared to PLA) and in the mechanical properties such as elongation at break (with more expressive values for the addition of POE-g-GMA and SEBS-g-MA, 9 and 10%, respectively), tensile strength (6–19% increase compared to PLA/BioPE bioblend) and a significant increase in impact strength, with evidence of plastic deformation as observed through SEM, promoted by the PLA/ BioPE phases improvement. Based on the gathered data, the added compatibilizers provided higher performing PLA/BioPE. The POE-g-GMA compatibilizer was considered to provide the best properties in relation to the PLA/BioPE bioblend, as well as the PLA matrix, mainly in relation to impact strength, with an increase of approximately 133 and 100% in relation to PLA and PLA/BioPE bioblend, respectively. Therefore, new ecological materials can be manufactured, aiming at benefits for the environment and society, contributing to sustainable development and stimulating the consumption of eco-products.
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Karaagac E, Koch T, Archodoulaki VM. Choosing an Effective Compatibilizer for a Virgin HDPE Rich-HDPE/PP Model Blend. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:3567. [PMID: 34685326 PMCID: PMC8540020 DOI: 10.3390/polym13203567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The most widely used commodity polymers in the rigid packaging industry are polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). For example, blow molding grade of HDPE as a bottle and injection molding grade of PP as a cap are often used to produce detergent bottles. Therefore, the recycled HDPE bottles from post-consumer waste include PP as a contaminant originated from PP bottle caps. To simulate mechanical recycling of bottle waste, the mechanical properties of HDPE-rich-HDPE/PP virgin model blend were studied. For compatibilization, ethylene-based olefin block copolymer, propylene-based olefin block copolymer, ethylene propylene random copolymer, and styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymer were chosen as potential compatibilizer candidates. Contact angle measurements, morphological analysis, adhesion tests of compatibilizer candidates to polymer blend components and the tensile as well as tensile impact properties of the ternary blends were studied. It was found that the ethylene-based olefin block copolymer was the most effective compatibilizer resulting in a return of mechanical properties to those of neat vHDPE due to its ability to encapsulate dispersed vPP particles in a vHDPE matrix (core-shell morphology) and the best adhesion to polymer blend components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdal Karaagac
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Faculty of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria; (T.K.); (V.-M.A.)
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Burkov A, Kraev A, Grishin M, Vesnin R, Fomin S, Iordanskii A. Structural Features and Properties' Characterization of Polylactic Acid/Natural Rubber Blends with Epoxidized Soybean Oil. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:1101. [PMID: 33808356 PMCID: PMC8037271 DOI: 10.3390/polym13071101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of the effort to preserve petroleum resources and promote the development of eco-friendly materials, bio-based polymers produced from sustainable resources have attracted great attention. Among them, polylactide (PLA) and natural rubber (NR) present prominent polymers with unique barrier and mechanical features. A series of samples with improved phase compatibility were obtained by blending PLA and NR using a double-rotor mixer. A plasticizing and enhancing effect on the polymers' compatibility was achieved by using epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) as a natural plasticizer and compatibilizer. ESO compounding in the PLA-NR blends increased the mobility of the biopolymer's molecular chains and improved the thermal stability of the novel material. The size of the NR domains embedded in the continuous PLA matrix decreased with the ESO content increment. The combination of thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy enabled the authors to determine the features of potential packaging material and the optimal content of PLA-NR-ESO for the best mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Burkov
- Department Chemistry and Technology Polymer Processing, Vyatka State University, 610000 Kirov, Russia; (A.K.); (R.V.); (S.F.)
| | - Alexander Kraev
- Department Chemistry and Technology Polymer Processing, Vyatka State University, 610000 Kirov, Russia; (A.K.); (R.V.); (S.F.)
| | - Maxim Grishin
- Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.G.); (A.I.)
| | - Roman Vesnin
- Department Chemistry and Technology Polymer Processing, Vyatka State University, 610000 Kirov, Russia; (A.K.); (R.V.); (S.F.)
| | - Sergey Fomin
- Department Chemistry and Technology Polymer Processing, Vyatka State University, 610000 Kirov, Russia; (A.K.); (R.V.); (S.F.)
| | - Alexey Iordanskii
- Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.G.); (A.I.)
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Ruiz-Silva E, Rodríguez-Ortega M, Rosales-Rivera LC, Moscoso-Sánchez FJ, Rodrigue D, González-Núñez R. Rotational Molding of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Polyethylene Blends: Effects of the Mixing Strategy on the Physical and Mechanical Properties. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:E217. [PMID: 33435469 PMCID: PMC7827687 DOI: 10.3390/polym13020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, blends of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE) at different weight ratios were prepared by rotational molding. Two mixing strategies were used to evaluate the effect of phase dispersion on the physical and mechanical properties: (i) Dry-blending (DB) using a high shear mixer, and (ii) melt-blending (MB) using a twin-screw extruder. Thermal, morphological, and mechanical analyses were performed on the neat polymers and their blends. The thermal analysis was completed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the blends prepared by MB had lower thermal stability than the ones prepared via DB due to some thermo-oxidative degradation through the double thermal process (extrusion and rotomolding). The morphology of the rotomolded parts showed that DB generated larger particle sizes (around 500 µm) compared to MB (around 5 µm) due to the shear and elongational stresses applied during extrusion. The tensile and flexural properties of the rotomolded parts combined the PLA stiffness with the LMDPE toughness independent of the blending technique. Neat PLA presented increments in tensile strength (54%) and flexural strength (111%) for DB compared with MB. A synergistic effect in impact strength was observed in blends with 12 and 25 wt. % of PLA prepared by DB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Ruiz-Silva
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Guadalajara, Blvd. Gral. Marcelino García Barragán #1451, Guadalajara, Jalisco 44430, Mexico; (E.R.-S.); (M.R.-O.)
| | - Mirleth Rodríguez-Ortega
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Guadalajara, Blvd. Gral. Marcelino García Barragán #1451, Guadalajara, Jalisco 44430, Mexico; (E.R.-S.); (M.R.-O.)
| | - Luis Carlos Rosales-Rivera
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Guadalajara, Blvd. Gral. Marcelino García Barragán #1451, Guadalajara, Jalisco 44430, Mexico; (E.R.-S.); (M.R.-O.)
| | - Francisco Javier Moscoso-Sánchez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Guadalajara, Blvd. Gral. Marcelino García Barragán #1451, Guadalajara, Jalisco 44430, Mexico; (E.R.-S.); (M.R.-O.)
| | - Denis Rodrigue
- Department of Chemical Engineering and CERMA, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Rubén González-Núñez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Guadalajara, Blvd. Gral. Marcelino García Barragán #1451, Guadalajara, Jalisco 44430, Mexico; (E.R.-S.); (M.R.-O.)
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