Polymer-composites from recycled high density polyethylene and waste lignocellulosic materials

Turkey generates millions of tons of plastic waste and cellulosic materials annually. The disposal of waste plastics and burning of waste cellulosic materials creates environmental problems. Both waste plastics and cellulosic materials possess great potential to be used as a raw material in polymer composites. In this study, waste high density polyethylene (HDPE) water pipes were used as a polymer matrix while either wheat straw flour (WSF) or carpentry residues (CR) were used as cellulosic materials. Maleic anhydrite grafted polyethylene (MAPE) was also added to the formulation to improve the adhesion between the plastic and the cellulosic material. Selected mechanical properties (flexural, tensile and impact properties) were determined. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and morphology (SEM Micrographs) of the composites were also studied. Results showed that composites with MAPE coupling agent provided better tensile strength and tensile modulus while offering lower elongation at break and Izod impact strength. Polymer-composites produced in this study provided required mechanical properties for polyolefin based composites. It is strongly believed that manufacturing of such composites could be a viable option for the local municipalities to dispose of collected cellulosic and plastic waste in Turkey.