Virgin Low-density Polyethylene Research Articles

Enhancing the physical properties of recycled low-density polyethylene and virgin low-density polyethylene blend using octanoate starch

Increasing global consumption of low-density polyethylene leads to more polymeric waste and challenges solid waste management. Therefore, the process of recycling or mixing recycled low-density polyethylene (RLDPE) with the same virgin low-density polyethylene (VLDPE) and enhancing the properties of this blend by adding different amounts of bioplastic such as Octanoate starch (OCST) is a good contribution to getting rid of plastic waste and obtaining new materials. This paper mixed the 20, 30 and 50 wt.% from RLDPE with VLDPE to determine the homogeneous blend. Also, 30, 40, and 50 wt. % from OCST were blended with homogeneous as a 20:80 RLDPE: VLDPE to obtain a new hybrid blend containing bioplastic. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed the high surface roughness of the film RLDPE: VLDPE after adding the OCST. The tensile strength, elastic modulus, and hardness of the 20:80 RLDPE: VLDPE blend were 13.0 ± 1.467 MPa, 0.08 ± 0.016 MPa, and 42.3 ± 2.32 Shore A, while the tensile strength, elastic modulus, and hardness of the 12:48:40 RLDPE: VLDPE: OCST were 14.3 ± 1.626 MPa, 0.1 ± 0.032 MPa, and 50.1 ± 2.78 Shore A respectively. On the other hand, the Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) indicated that the strong bands at 1746 cm−1, 2856 cm−1, and 2927 cm−1 indicated stretching deformation of the ester carbonyl group and the methyl and methylene groups of OCST with blend polymers, respectively. The thermal properties as melting point, heat energy consumption, and heat flow difference increased from 122.52 to 123.73°C, −389.41 to −144.43 (mJ), and −77.88 to −28.89 (J/g) when the OCST content increased from 20:80 RLDPE: VLDPE to 12:48:40 RLDPE: VLDPE: OCST. Thermal decomposition led to the formation of functional groups such as hydroxyl and carbonyl on LDPE baskets and an increase in the carbonyl index after adding OCST to the RLDPE: VLDPE blend. The best hybrid blend was 12:48:40 RLDPE: VLDPE: OCST.

Ageing characteristics of polyethylene-modified asphalt binders blended with different compatibilisers

ABSTRACT In this study, virgin low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and recycled polyethylene (RPE) were blended with an asphalt binder in combination with compatibilizers such as styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), Elvaloy, sulfur, and polyphosphoric acid (PPA): LDPE, LDPE + SBS + Sulfur, LDPE + Elvaloy, LDPE + Elvaloy + PPA, LDPE + sulfur, RPE, RPE + sulfur, and RPE + PPA. This study aimed to investigate (1) the distribution of PE in asphalt binder, (2) chemical changes in the binder due to the addition of compatibilizers, and (3) the ageing characteristics and their effects on the rheological and performance properties. Micrographs revealed that the LDPE dispersity improved with the addition of Elvaloy. The PE blends with sulfur met the target performance grade of PG76V-10. The PE blends with sulfur exhibited the highest fatigue life at low strain levels and degraded rapidly with an increase in strain level. The LDPE blends with Elvaloy experienced the least degradation in fatigue life with an increased strain level; this low ageing susceptibility was due to the lowest carbonyl (I c =o) and sulfoxide (I s=o) index values.

Diverted from Landfill: Reuse of Single-Use Plastic Packaging Waste

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) based packaging films mostly end up in landfill after single-use as they are not commonly recycled due to their flexible nature, low strength and low cost. Additionally, the necessity to separate and sort different plastic waste streams is the most costly step in plastics recycling, and is a major barrier to increasing recycling rates. This cost can be reduced through using waste mixed plastics (wMP) as a raw material. This research investigates the properties of PE-based wMP coming from film packaging wastes that constitutes different grades of PE with traces of polypropylene (PP). Their properties are compared with segregated individual recycled polyolefins and virgin LDPE. The plastic plaques are produced directly from the wMP shreds as well as after extruding the wMP shreds into a more uniform material. The effect of different material forms and processing conditions on the mechanical properties are investigated. The results of the investigation show that measured properties of the wMP fall well within the range of properties of various grades of virgin polyethylene, indicating the maximum possible variations between different batches. Addition of an intermediate processing step of extrusion before compression moulding is found to have no effect on the tensile properties but results in a noticeably different failure behaviour. The wMP does not show any thermal degradation during processing that was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. The results give a scientific insight into the adoption of wMP in real world products that can divert them from landfill creating a more circular economy.

Measuring the circularity potential of recycled LDPE based on quantity and quality conservation - a functional requirement matrix approach

The Plastics Strategy passed by the European Union aims to ensure the reuse of ten million tons of recycled plastics in products by 2025. Discussions on how to achieve this target are usually mass-driven focusing on recycling quotas but neglecting quality targets. However, the circular economy aims to preserve resources at their highest possible value focusing on both mass and quality conservation, to close material loops in the long term. Therefore, changes in physical properties of recycled plastics compared to virgin plastics should be addressed, but measuring quality is a complex task. This article introduces a functional requirement matrix approach to assess mass and quality conservation using an indicator called circularity potential based on physical properties. The indicator is demonstrated in a case study on a non-food pouch made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Two samples from mechanical and dissolution recycling were examined in a laboratory and compared to virgin LDPE. We built on existing studies, but further introduced thermal and aesthetic requirements as well as established weighting and compliance parameters to address the complexity of quality conservation. The exemplary case study shows a circularity potential of 49% for recycled LDPE from dissolution recycling and 30% for mechanically recycled LDPE Mass and quality conservation are higher for dissolution than for mechanical recycling, but also rely on different waste streams that offer future research need. Further sensitivity analysis demonstrated the significance of weighting and compliance parameters. The provided approach is configurable for specific product applications and applicable in the context of life cycle assessments.

A Comparative Study of Several Properties of Plywood Bonded with Virgin and Recycled LDPE Films

In this work, to better understand the bonding process of plastic plywood panels, the effects of recycled low-density polyethylene (rLDPE) film of three thicknesses (50, 100, and 150 µm) and veneers of four various wood species (beech, birch, hornbeam, and poplar) on the properties of panels were studied. The obtained properties were also compared with the properties of plywood panels bonded by virgin low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film. The results showed that properties of plywood samples bonded with rLDPE and virgin LDPE films differ insignificantly. Samples bonded with rLDPE film demonstrated satisfactory physical and mechanical properties. It was also established that the best mechanical properties of plywood are provided by beech veneer and the lowest by poplar veneer. However, poplar plywood had the best water absorption and swelling thickness, and the bonding strength at the level of birch and hornbeam plywood. The properties of rLDPE-bonded plywood improved with increasing the thickness of the film. The panels bonded with rLDPE film had a close-to-zero formaldehyde content (0.01–0.10 mg/m2·h) and reached the super E0 emission class that allows for defining the laboratory-manufactured plastic-bonded plywood as an eco-friendly composite.

Mechanical and Functional Properties of Biodegradable Films Compounding from Low-density Poly Ethylene (LDPE), Modified Corn Starch (MCS)

Background: Plastics are well suited as a food packaging material due to their availability, processability, flexibility and seal strength. However, it has the inherent flaw of not being biodegradable. This research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of mechanical and functional properties of a biodegradable films made from a fusion of LDPE and modified corn starch (MCS). Methods: MCS was plasticized with glycerol and, urea and talc powder was added for film hardness. By employing a twin-screw extruder, the mix was allowed to compound before being blown into a thin film by a blown film extruder. Virgin LDPE (T0) and LDPE with MCS blends were made in the ratios of 95:5 (T1), 90:10 (T2), 85:15 (T3) and 80:20 (T4) for comparison. Result: As an outcome, as the starch content was increased the tensile strength decreased to 7.23 MPa from 14.55 MPa (T0). Similarly, the elongation at break also reduced to 264.35% from 370.9% (T0) while the elasticity modulus increased to 229.06 MPa from 172.15 MPa (T0). With the addition of MCS concentration, the thickness and water solubility increased significantly. In the temperature range of 85-155°C, the films demonstrated good sealing performance. The prepared films can be used for food packaging due to the aforementioned characteristics of the manufactured films.

Computational study of the structural properties of recycled low-density polyethylene

We present a comprehensive model to computationally study molecular structure development in the recycling extrusion process of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and provide initial results versus reported experiments as guidance. Molecular weight distribution (MWD) and branching distribution (BD) are modeled by applying a combination of population balance modeling, the method of moments and branching pseudo distributions. Special cares have been taken to incorporate the effects of scission and crosslinking reactions. Further, effective strategies have been provided to mitigate the computational complexity of solving balance equations. The models have been applied to the case of increasing residence time in a recycling extruder. The simulated MWD of the recycled LDPE exhibits a shift towards lower chain lengths for residence times up to 400s, while for higher residence times the high MW tail forms. The evolution of the simulated BD during recycling reveals important modifications versus the original virgin LDPE with implications for derived properties.

Recycled polyethylene/polycarbonate blends compatibilized with oxidized polyethylene/CaCO3

AbstractPolyethylene (PE) and polycarbonate (PC) are not thermodynamically miscible, and they tend to be phase‐separated during melt‐processing, because of significant incompatibility in structures and properties. Interestingly, minerals such as CaCO3 are used in PE‐based supermarket bags for improving surface characteristics. In this study, recycled low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and PC resins are melt‐blended at 50/50 wt%, without and with oxidized polyethylene (OPE) as a compatibilizer. A parallel experiment is conducted with 50/50 blends of virgin LDPE and PC resins. Various characteristics such as tensile, viscoelastic, melt‐flow, and phase morphology of the materials are analyzed. The 50/50 blend of recycled LDPE/PC blend shows an average tensile strength of 15 MPa, which increases to 24 MPa on the addition of 5 wt% OPE, where total recycled content is 95 wt% including 15 wt% CaCO3. Notably, the presence of CaCO3‐based filler in recycled LDPE has a profound effect in improving the mechanical performance of the materials.

Direct ingestion, trophic transfer, and physiological effects of microplastics in the early life stages of Centropristis striata, a commercially and recreationally valuable fishery species

Microplastics are ubiquitous in marine and estuarine ecosystems, and thus there is increasing concern regarding exposure and potential effects in commercial species. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the effects of microplastics on larval and early juvenile life stages of the Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata), a North American fishery. Larvae (13–14 days post hatch, dph) were exposed to 1.0 × 104, 1.0 × 105, and 1.0 × 106 particles L−1 of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microspheres (10–20 μm) directly in seawater and via trophic transfer from microzooplankton prey (tintinnid ciliates, Favella spp.). We also compared the ingestion of virgin and chemically-treated microspheres incubated with either phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, or 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP), a plastic additive. Larval fish did not discriminate between virgin or chemically-treated microspheres. However, larvae did ingest higher numbers of microspheres through ingestion of microzooplankton prey than directly from the seawater. Early juveniles (50–60 dph) were directly exposed to the virgin and chemically-treated LDPE microspheres, as well as virgin LDPE microfibers for 96 h to determine physiological effects (i.e., oxygen consumption and immune response). There was a significant positive relationship between oxygen consumption and increasing microfiber concentration, as well as a significant negative relationship between immune response and increasing virgin microsphere concentration. This first assessment of microplastic pollution effects in the early life stages of a commercial finfish species demonstrates that trophic transfer from microzooplankton can be a significant route of microplastic exposure to larval stages of C. striata, and that multi-day exposure to some microplastics in early juveniles can result in physiological stress.

Long Term Exposure to Virgin and Recycled LDPE Microplastics Induced Minor Effects in the Freshwater and Terrestrial Crustaceans Daphnia magna and Porcellio scaber.

The effects of microplastics (MP) are extensively studied, yet hazard data from long-term exposure studies are scarce. Moreover, for sustainable circular use in the future, knowledge on the biological impact of recycled plastics is essential. The aim of this study was to provide long-term toxicity data of virgin vs recycled (mechanical recycling) low density polyethylene (LDPE) for two commonly used ecotoxicity models, the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna and the terrestrial crustacean Porcellio scaber. LDPE MP was tested as fragments of 39.8 ± 8.82 µm (virgin) and 205 ± 144 µm (recycled) at chronic exposure levels of 1–100 mg LDPE/L (D. magna) and 0.2–15 g LDPE/kg soil (P. scaber). Mortality, reproduction, body length, total lipid content, feeding and immune response were evaluated. With the exception of very low inconsistent offspring mortality at 10 mg/L and 100 mg/L of recycled LDPE, no MP exposure-related adverse effects were recorded for D. magna. For P. scaber, increased feeding on non-contaminated leaves was observed for virgin LDPE at 5 g/kg and 15 g/kg. In addition, both LDPE induced a slight immune response at 5 g/kg and 15 g/kg with more parameters altered for virgin LDPE. Our results indicated different sublethal responses upon exposure to recycled compared to virgin LDPE MP.

Sorption and leaching behaviors between aged MPs and BPA in water: The role of BPA binding modes within plastic matrix

Due to the hydrophobicity and large specific surface area microplastics (MPs) have become the vector for the migration of environmental organic pollutants. Environmental aging process affects the physiochemical structure of MPs and their corresponding environmental behaviors, in which the effect of bisphenol A (BPA) binding mode within plastic matrix on aging behaviors of MPs is not reported. In this work, the structural properties and BPA sorption behaviors of low density polyethylene (LDPE) MPs with BPA additives and polycarbonate (PC) MPs with BPA monomers exposed to three types of artificial accelerated aging processes including UV/H2O, UV/H2O2, and UV/Cl2 systems were comparatively investigated. Virgin LDPE and PC exhibited obvious leakage of BPA additives or monomers. Aged LDPE had stronger sorption ability towards BPA in water environment with no observed leakage of BPA additives. While, aged PC had extremely high leakage of BPA monomers, which is similar to virgin PCs and was proved to be a persistent source of BPA release. The BPA sorption on aged LDPE or leaching from aged PC was influenced by aging processes, water pH, salinity, co-existing estradiol (E2), and water sources. This study reveals the potential ecological and environmental risks of MPs containing toxic additives/monomers during aging processes from a new perspective.

The use of recycled low‐density polyethylene films from protective prepreg for the development of nanocomposites with bentonite clay

AbstractPrepreg is a pre‐impregnated composite fiber where a thermoset polymer matrix material is present. Before being used, these materials are kept at low temperatures and have a low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) film for your protection. The increase in the use of structural composites based on prepregs causes an increase in the amount of protective LDPE film. This material is usually discarded or incinerated and can cause great damage to the environment. Thus, the present work aimed to study the feasibility of recycling up to 100% of protective LDPE (rLDPE) to develop blends‐based nanocomposites with rLDPE/virgin LDPE (60/40, 70/30, 80/20, 90/10 and 100/0) with the addition of 5 wt% of compatibilizer agent (maleic anhydride grafted LDPE, LDPE‐g‐MA), and 1 wt% of bentonite (BNT) using a co‐rotational twin‐screw extruder, followed by hot pressing in a hydropneumatic press and die‐cutting. Water absorption test, thermal aging resistance, morphological characterization by scanning electron microscopy, mechanical properties by Izod impact strength and tensile tests, and differential scanning calorimetry were performed. By the results, it was possible to verify the viability of 100% of the recycling of rLDPE. The results showed a good distribution of 1 wt% of BNT in the matrix, better mechanical properties when compared with virgin LDPE. Furthermore, the thermal properties, water absorption test, and thermal aging resistance showed no statistical differences between the samples. These results confirm the effectiveness and the environmental gain in the use of the recycled material.

Biodegradation efficacy of soil inherent novel sp. Bacillus tropicus (MK318648) onto low density polyethylene matrix

The biodegradation of low density polyethylene (LDPE) was studied by employing a microbial strain isolated from the dumping site soil. The bacterium strain was identified as Bacillus tropicus (Gen Bank Accession no: MK318648) by 16S rRNA sequencing. The growth of the strain was observed on virgin LDPE during the biodegradation process. The change in properties of LDPE films before and after bacterial strain incubation was observed by FTIR, SEM, AFM, contact angle, mechanical and optical testing. Loss in mechanical properties and changes in optical properties of the polymer matrix was observed. Weight reduction by 10.15% and fall in the value of tensile strength, elongation at break, tear strength, Young’s Modulus, hardness and stiffness to 8.59 MPa, 10.85 mm, 69.18 N, 272.36, 37.6 Shor D and 10,672.21 N/m respectively were observed after 40 days of incubation. The transparency and haze percentage were also changed to 93.7% and 18.6% respectively after the study period. The pH of the media was measured during incubation to evaluate the change due to formation of different extracellular and intracellular enzymes excreted by the strain. Hence, Bacillus tropicus could be an efficient microorganism to degrade 10-micron thickness LDPE films, thereby preventing its harmful impacts in the environment.

Insulating MgO–Al2O3–LDPE Nanocomposites for Offshore Medium-Voltage DC Cables

A polymer–metal oxide nanocomposite is a key in developing a high-temperature insulation material for power electronics and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) subsea cables having the capability of transmitting offshore renewable energy with lower losses and higher reliability. To achieve a higher operation voltage level and larger power capacity at a reduced cable size, weight, and volume, the lighter material offering improved electrical insulation at a high operating temperature is required. Addition of metal oxide ceramics in the polymer is shown to improve the insulating properties of the polymer used in the cable and power electronic applications; however, their performance deteriorates at elevated temperatures as thermal energy facilitates the electron injection to the bulk material by following conduction according to the Schottky emission. In this work, the heat insulating Al2O3 nanoparticles are added to the MgO–polyethylene nanocomposite to observe the effect of the interface between mix oxide nanoparticles on current density and breakdown strength of the nanocomposite compared to the MgO–polyethylene nanocomposite at room and elevated temperatures (90 °C). The concentrations of the MgO and MgO + Al2O3 mixture were varied from 1 to 12 wt % to find out that the nanocomposite containing MgO showed the best response than MgO + Al2O3 at elevated and room temperatures. There was no unified trend observed in the leakage current density and breakdown strength results for the MgO + Al2O3 nanocomposite, indicating the absence of the interface formation between MgO and Al2O3. The decrease in the interaction radius, calculated using numerical simulation of the nanoparticle dispersion state, resulted in the high breakdown strength. Addition of 12 wt % MgO helped achieving the highest breakdown strength, but overall breakdown strength for the MgO + Al2O3 nanocomposite improved at elevated temperatures. All nanocomposites showed improved electrical insulating properties compared to virgin low-density polyethylene (Pure LDPE) .

Use of recycled materials as mid layer in three layered structures-new possibility in design for recycling

Challenges of using recycled polymer materials in food packaging are related both to the properties of the material and demanding safety issues for food contact materials. The aim of this research was to detect possible risks using recycled post-consumer plastic waste in three-layered polyethylene (PE) films produced with virgin outer layers and a mid-layer from recycled flexible PE material. Migration tests were performed as risk assessment for identifying possible migrating substances from the mid-recycled layer. Overall migration was determined on various 3-layered structures made from virgin low-density PE (LDPE) and virgin linear low-density PE (LLDPE), respectively, with two different recycled PE from post-consumer waste (R1 and R2). 95% ethanol was used as a simulant for screening at 20, 40 and 60 °C for 10 days. Specific migration was performed using sophisticated analytical techniques (liquid and gas chromatography). Overall migration values for all temperatures were from < 2 mg/dm2 at lowest and 5.6 ± 0.1 mg/dm2 at highest temperature, thus well below the overall migration limit (OML) of 10 mg/dm2. Specific migration of intentionally and non-intentionally added substances were detected, identified and quantified. Similarly, specific migration values were under specific migration limit (SML) defined in legislation. Optical properties of the reference samples were significantly different in appearance and on cross section for samples with recycled materials R1 compared to recycled material R2 which caused only slight changes in the appearance of both reference films. This research presents a valuable study on migration from recycled flexible PE films and use of recycled materials in food packaging applications. Use of virgin materials as outer layer in combination with commercially available recycled material can increase the use of recycled materials in packaging as well as reduce the total amount of flexible plastic solid waste.

Materials Selection of 3D Printing Filament and Utilization of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) in a Redesigned Breadboard

The demand for a novel and sustainable alternative materials for 3D printer filaments has been knowingly increasing. One alternative source for the filament is to reuse and recycle post-consumer plastic products, which is also a compelling approach to conserve energy and sustain the environment. Thus, this study is focused on the materials selection of virgin polymer resins and recycled post-consumer plastics for use in 3D printer filaments. A multi-criteria decision method of Elimination and Choice Expressing the Reality (ELECTRE) was utilized to determine the best materials for 3D printer filaments. The study has shown that the virgin low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are optimal materials as an alternative filament among other options such as virgin high-density polyethylene (HDPE), virgin PET, virgin polypropylene (PP) and recycled HDPE. Aside from the different options of the type of materials, the various properties considered in the calculation include tensile strength, melting point, glass transition temperature, melt flow index, coefficient of thermal expansion, and cost. Moreover, a redesigned breadboard was produced thru 3D printing using a recycled PET as filament source.

Experimental Study of Thermal and Catalytic Pyrolysis of Plastic Waste Components

Thermal and catalytic pyrolysis of virgin low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP) and mixtures of LDPE/PP were carried out in a 200 mL laboratory scale batch reactor at 460 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was carried out to study the thermal and catalytic degradation of the polymers at a heating rate of 10 °C/min. The amount of PP was varied in the LDPE/PP mixture to explore its effect on the reaction. In thermal degradation (TGA) of LDPE/PP blends, a lower decomposition temperature was observed for LDPE/PP mixtures compared to pure LDPE, indicating interaction between the two polymer types. In the presence of a catalyst (CAT-2), the degradation temperatures for the pure polymers were reduced. The TGA results were validated in a batch reactor using PP and LDPE, respectively. The result from thermal pyrolysis showed that the oil product contained significant amounts of hydrocarbons in the ranges of C7–C12 (gasoline range) and C13–C20 (diesel range). The catalyst enhanced cracking at lower temperatures and narrowed the hydrocarbon distribution in the oil towards the lower molecular weight range (C7–C12). The result suggests that the oil produced from catalytic pyrolysis of waste plastics has a potential as an alternative fuel.

Production of methane and ethylene from plastic in the environment.

Mass production of plastics started nearly 70 years ago and the production rate is expected to double over the next two decades. While serving many applications because of their durability, stability and low cost, plastics have deleterious effects on the environment. Plastic is known to release a variety of chemicals during degradation, which has a negative impact on biota. Here, we show that the most commonly used plastics produce two greenhouse gases, methane and ethylene, when exposed to ambient solar radiation. Polyethylene, which is the most produced and discarded synthetic polymer globally, is the most prolific emitter of both gases. We demonstrate that the production of trace gases from virgin low-density polyethylene increase with time, with rates at the end of a 212-day incubation of 5.8 nmol g-1 d-1 of methane, 14.5 nmol g-1 d-1 of ethylene, 3.9 nmol g-1 d-1 of ethane and 9.7 nmol g-1 d-1 of propylene. Environmentally aged plastics incubated in water for at least 152 days also produced hydrocarbon gases. In addition, low-density polyethylene emits these gases when incubated in air at rates ~2 times and ~76 times higher than when incubated in water for methane and ethylene, respectively. Our results show that plastics represent a heretofore unrecognized source of climate-relevant trace gases that are expected to increase as more plastic is produced and accumulated in the environment.

Mechanical recycling of nanocellulose containing multilayer packaging films

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to demonstrate mechanical recycling of low density polyethylene (LDPE) films coated with a thin layer of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). CNF acts as an effective barrier against oxygen and mineral oil residues. Two different CNF grades were tested, and both were applied onto plasma activated LDPE film using a pilot coating line. The coated films were shredded with the help of liquid nitrogen, compacted and compounded with virgin LDPE and compatibilizer, and processed into cast films and injection molded test specimens. The CNF coatings were completely blent as microscale agglomerates in the LDPE matrix. The effect of these agglomerates on the barrier and heat sealing properties was statistically insignificant compared to recycled uncoated LDPE. The mechanical properties were only moderately changed. CNF‐coated LDPE films can therefore be recycled back into films without sacrificing the characteristic properties of the base polymer. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46237.

Reinforcement of Lime Ash Particles in LDPE

This study presents findings from an experimental investigation on the reinforcement of Lime ash particles (LAP) synthesized from coal fly ash, CaO, and CaSO4 in Low density Polyethylene (LDPE).The Lime ash particles are synthesized by reinforcing 0 to 30 weight percentages of LAP in virgin LDPE using compression moulding. The mechanical properties of composites are studied and results showed that by adding LAP in LDPE as filler the Tensile Strength and Impact Strength of the composite decreases due to poor interfacial bonding between filler particles and LDPE but Hardness and Flexural Properties increases due to improved properties of surface.