Effect of Model Pollutants on the Recycling of PE/PS Plastic Blends

Abstract

PE/PS blends have been extensively studied with the objective of improving their recycling. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of potential pollutants on properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE)/polystyrene (PS) plastic blends. The pollutants selected were a polar molecule of low molar mass, i.e. ethylene glycol, and an oil for engine which can be considered as less polar higher molar mass molecules. Such study can be considered for the recycling of polymer wastes from automotive applications. The compatibilizer used for PE/PS blends was a non-grafted Styrene-Ethylene Butene-Styrene copolymer (SEBS). Rheological properties, morphology and mechanical properties were analyzed. Study of the morphologies and of the mechanical properties shows that a small polar molecule such as ethylene glycol can form a third phase whereas an oil can improve compatibilization (lower diameter of the dispersed phase, better adhesion). Morphologies are in good agreement with mechanical behavior. For PE/PS blends, the lower adhesion due to the presence of ethylene glycol induced a decrease of the viscosity and absorbed energy. On the opposite, the presence of oil decreases the diameter of the dispersed phase, which leads to a significant improvement of the impact properties.

Effects of nanoparticle treatment and compatibilizers on the properties of (PP/EPR)/nano-CaCO3 blends

“…On the other hand, particle size is dependent on the chemical structure of the components and on the differences in rheological behavior [8][9]. The analysis of the (PP/EPR) by SEM (Fig.…”

Characterization of Core-Shell Structure Palygorskite Modified by Nano-CaCO₃ (PnC) Composite Particles

“…It is well known that particle size and dispersion are important factors for attaining optimal performance. On the other hand, particle size is dependent on the chemical structure of the components [2]. Nanoparticles or microparticles are usually very easy to accumulate, leading to a sharp drop in the mechanical properties.…”

Propriétés rhéologiques et mécaniques des composites à matrice polypropylène pour l'automobile. Effets couplés de la pollution et du recyclage

“…Les effets des contaminants sur ces deux composites à base de polymères ont été peu étudiés. (Kallel et al, 2003). Certaines études ont indiqué que l'huile ou l'éthylène glycol sont introduits dans des mélanges de polymères et composites comme comptabilisant (Othman et al, Pessey et al, 2010).…”

“…Dans ce cas, certaines améliorations sont attendues sur les propriétés mécaniques des matériaux pollués. Par exemple, (Kallel et al, 2003 ;Alexander et al, 2006 ;Othman et al, 2006) ont montré que l'huile utilisée comme comptabilisant améliore la résistance à la traction du mélange des composites ou des mélanges de polymères, tandis que le module d'Young diminue. Des travaux plus complets ont été récemment présentés dans Pessey et al, (2010).…”