High performance synthetic paper used for color printing based on ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/SiO₂by using TIPS method

Abstract

The production of traditional cellulose paper not only consumes lots of timber, but also brings about some environmental issues. Therefore, it is being increasingly replaced by synthetic paper. In this study, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/SiO 2 synthetic paper with high application performance was prepared by the thermally induced phase separation method using mineral oil as diluent. The corresponding properties of synthetic paper, including surface morphology, overall porosity, tensile strength, thermal stability, acid and alkali resistance, whiteness, and inkjet print effect were investigated respectively. The results show that the overall porosity of UHMWPE/SiO 2 synthetic paper is above 45%, and the tensile strength exceeds 4.3 MPa. UHMWPE/SiO 2 synthetic paper also presents light weight, as well as good resistance to heat, acid and alkali. Meanwhile, the average whiteness of the samples is up to 91.8%. The sample K-50, which contains 31.5 wt % SiO 2 , takes on the best print performance caused by its dense surface and higher SiO 2 content. It is indicated that UHMWPE/SiO 2 synthetic paper has good market prospects in the color printing.

Recycling of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene waste used for preparing high performance synthetic paper

“…The variety of impurities and degradation byproducts in the waste would impart a variable degree of yellowing to the membrane and cause not only the differences in whiteness from paper to paper but also the relatively lower values of whiteness compared to those of synthetic paper made of virgin UHMWPE [Figure (a)] and cellulose paper [Figure (b)]. Even so, the whiteness (80%) of synthetic paper prepared from UHMWPE waste is still suitable for printing and visual sensation if regarding of the commercial synthetic paper Teslin with 76% whiteness …”

“…If comparing with the synthetic paper made from virgin UHMWPE, whose tensile strength is in the range from 4 to 8 MPa, the strength of synthetic paper made from UHMWPE waste decreases due to the impurities and degradation byproducts. According to literature, PP/ethylene propylene rubber synthetic paper owns a highest tensile strength of 3.0 MPa. It is indicated that the synthetic paper obtained from UHMWPE waste can meet the general application requirements.…”

“…Thus, it is increasingly replacing cellulose paper. At present, the preparation process of synthetic paper includes film method (YUPO, ALINDA, Q‐per, etc) and fiber method (Tyvek) based on the polymer like PP, HDPE, PVC, and so forth . Nowadays the film method is more commonly used.…”