Abstract
The paper presents our studies regarding the superior valorization of recycled low-density polyethylene (rLDPE) by compounding with thermoplastic starch (TPS) and ethylene propylene terpolymer elastomer (EPDM). Low-density polyethylene post-consumer waste from foil packaging was used for the experiments. The waste was mechanically recycled and the rLDPE granules obtained were characterized both from a physical-mechanical and structural point of view. In order to obtain new sustainable materials, rLDPE granules were mixed with TPS, EPDM, compatibilizers and crosslinking agents. The mixtures were obtained in a PlastiCorder Brabender mixer at 140°C, 30-80 rpm, working time 7 minutes. The samples made show very good resistance to bending and abrasion, they have very good values of Charpy impact resistance and tear strenght, they show very good behavior to accelerated aging and to the action of some liquids, they have high hardness (51-53) °ShD and a Vicat softening point of 93-96°C. The new materials can be processed by methods specific to plastic materials (extrusion, injection, compression) in order to obtain finished products, and their field of applications can include: the footwear industry, the automotive industry, construction, packaging, agriculture, etc. The LCA analysis of the composites show a low environment impact. The values of the carbon footprint range between 0.58 Kg CO2 eq/kg and 0.75 Kg CO2 eq /kg due to the use of recycle low-density polyethylene and optimised efficient production process.
Keywords: recycled low-density polyethylene; physical-mechanical properties; LCA; carbon footprint