The Use of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) in PP/HIPS Blends: Morphological, Thermal, Mechanical and Rheological Properties.

Mirna Nunes Araújo,Elen Beatriz Acordi Vasques Pacheco,Ana Lucia Nazareth Da Silva,Daniel Weingart Barreto,Leila Lea Yuan Visconte,Viviane Alves Escócio,Ana Maria Furtado De Sousa

doi:10.3390/ma12121904

Mirna Nunes Araújo, Elen Beatriz Acordi Vasques Pacheco + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12121904

Copy DOI

Abstract

Polypropylene (PP) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS) are two polymers that are frequently found in disposable waste. Both of these polymers are restricted from being separated in several ways. An easier way to reuse them in new applications, without the need for separation, would require them to be less immiscible. In this work, cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), a sub-product of the cashew agroindustry, was added as a third component to PP-HIPS mixtures and its effect as a compatibilizing agent was investigated. Morphological results showed that CNSL acted as an emulsifier by promoting reduction in the domains of the dispersive phase, HIPS, thus stabilizing the blends morphology. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis suggests that CNSL is preferably incorporated in the HIPS phase. Its plasticizing effect leads to more flexible materials, but no significant effect could be detected on impact resistance or elongation at break.

Highlights

The practice of recycling through reprocessing can reduce the volume of waste in landfills, simultaneously generating a new economic activity, saving energy and non-renewable resources [1,2].The mechanical recycling is based on the conversion of such residues, as post-industrial or post consumption plastic materials into pellets through extrusion reprocessing
Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographies suggest that cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) has a tendency to be located in the micrographies suggest that CNSL has a tendency to be located in the high impact polystyrene (HIPS) phase and in the interface of the domains
This was corroborated by the results of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

Summary

Introduction

The practice of recycling through reprocessing can reduce the volume of waste in landfills, simultaneously generating a new economic activity, saving energy and non-renewable resources [1,2]. The mechanical recycling is based on the conversion of such residues, as post-industrial or post consumption plastic materials into pellets through extrusion reprocessing. This procedure allows the subsequent use of the pellets in the production of various products such as garbage bags, soles, floors, hoses, car components, non-food packaging, etc. A limitation to mechanical recycling is the heterogeneous composition of the residues, which are formed by different types of plastic materials that are usually incompatible. The incompatible materials give rise to products of poor mechanical performance.

Methods

Results

Conclusion