Thermal and mechanical characterization of composite produced from recycled PE and flue gas desulfurization gypsum

Varying ratios of industrial byproduct of flue gas desulfurization gypsum and recycled polyethylene were used to prepare composite matrices in order to develop an eco-friendly material. Small ratios of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene were used as a compatibilizer. Surface morphologies and microstructures were examined by scanning electron microscopy images. Thermal behavior of the prepared composite materials was then investigated through thermogravimetry techniques. Hardness and tensile strength of the composite were evaluated through variations made to the contribution of individual components. The resulting composites exhibit increasing melt flow rate values, while hardness decreases with increasing maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene ratios. Amount of torque required to blend mixture also increases with maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene content.