Low-density polyethylene waste/recycled wood composites

The preparation of polymeric composites from recycled thermoplastic with natural fibers is an interesting alternative that contribute for preservation of natural resources, decrease of pollutant waste and production of low cost materials. Low-density polyethylene waste (LDPEW) from packaging films presents low index of mechanical recycling, generating several environmental problems and for their management after discard. On the other hand, wood waste as such as pine wood waste (PWW) are also produced in large scale and their recycling potential is not very explored. The aim of this study was the preparation of LDPEW/PWW composites in presence of coupling agent maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE-gMA) and to evaluate their mechanical, morphological and thermal properties. LDPEW/PWW composites were prepared by extrusion processing and specimens obtained by injection molding for after characterization by tensile testing, impact testing, scan electronic microscopy and thermal analysis. The mechanical properties of the LDPEW/PWW composites are depending of the PWW content in the material, allowing the adjustment of the composition according to the potential for practical application, while the thermal stability of the composites is compatible with the required conditions for thermomechanical processing. The preparation of LDPEW/PWW composites showed viability for production of low cost materials from recycled waste. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.