Abstract
The mixing of polymers, even structurally similar polyolefins, inevitably leads to blend systems with a phase-separated morphology. Fundamentally understanding the changes in mechanical properties and occurring deformation mechanisms of these immiscible polymer blends, is important with respect to potential mechanical recycling. This work focuses on the behavior of binary blends of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP) under tensile deformation and their related changes in crystallinity and morphology. All of these polymers plastically deform by shear yielding. When unmixed, the high crystalline polyolefins HDPE and PP both exhibit a progressive necking phenomenon. LDPE initiates a local neck before material failure, while LLDPE is characterized by a uniform deformation as well as clear strain hardening. LLDPE/LDPE and LLDPE/PP combinations both exhibit a clear-cut matrix switchover. Polymer blends LLDPE/LDPE, LDPE/HDPE, and LDPE/PP show transition forms with features of composing materials. Combining PP in an HDPE matrix causes a radical switch to brittle behavior.
Highlights
IntroductionIn 2018, 359 million tons were produced worldwide, and this annual amount continues to rise [1]
Plastics are ever-present in daily life situations
This paper examines the blending of four specific polyolefins: linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP)
Summary
In 2018, 359 million tons were produced worldwide, and this annual amount continues to rise [1]. Of these produced plastics packaging is the predominant application, accounting for nearly 40% of total polymer demand [1]. In this sector, mostly commodity polymers such as (L) low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and polyamide. Given that only 32.5% of collected post-consumer plastic waste is effectively recycled, the current research interest to improve both qualities and quantities of recycling is high [1]
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