Analysis of the Variation of the Mechanical Properties of a LLDPE Matrix by Incorporation of Reused XLPE

Abstract

XLPE is a thermoset polymer used by ALCOBRE to insulate cooper wires. The wastes of this polymer can’t be discarded in the regular industrial waste and all the wastes costs of this material are expensive. The XLPE needs to be segregated and then a certified waste company transports this waste to identified dumping areas. In this work we try to study the incorporation of the XLPE on a LLDPE matrix.The LLDPE is a thermoplastic polymer used by ALCOBRE to coat copper wires.In this work the mechanical behaviour of XLPE/LLDPE blends is investigated in a wide range of compositions. The mechanical properties can be optimized by varying the XLPE contents of the blend. The flexural and tensile properties were estimated by different models: the rule of mixtures, Kerner-Uemura-Takayanagi model, and Nicolai-Narkis model. This work also considers the adhesion between the two material phases. The results anticipate a good adhesion between both phases. For the tensile modulus, a linear relationship is found, which indicates a good adhesion between the phases along the composition range. The increase of XLPE in the mixture decreases the bending and tensile stress. For tensile stress, the Nicolai-Narkis model is suitable for modelling behaviour by inducing good adhesion between phases. In relation to the module, it is possible to verify that in relation to the bending module the incorporation of XLPE does not affect the module. However, the traction module will be affected with the XLPE quantity in the mixture.