Recycled LDPE/PETG blends and HDPE/PETG blends: mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties

The recycled low density polyethylene (LDPE), recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate G copolyester (PETG) as post-processed plastic wastes from extrusion blow molding process were modified with blending process to improve the properties of those plastic wastes and decrease the amount of plastic wastes in the plastic processing plants. The recycled PETG was blended with recycled LDPE and recycled HDPE in various concentration from 0 wt% to 100 wt% in increments of 10 wt% as referred to LDPE/PETG blends and HDPE/PETG blends respectively prepared by co-twin screw extruder. The addition of PETG in the blending of LDPE and HDPE improved the mechanical properties and MFI of those polymer blends but decreased thermal stability, storage modulus, loss modulus and complex viscosity as compared to those of neat LDPE and neat HDPE. LDPE/PETG blends illustrated better impact properties and flexibility than those of HDPE/PETG blends. (c) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Automated summary

Blending recycled PETG, LDPE, and HDPE can improve the properties of plastic wastes and reduce waste in plastic processing plants. LDPE/PETG blends show better impact resistance and flexibility, while HDPE/PETG blends enhance mechanical properties.