Physical, mechanical and thermal properties of low-density polyethylene reinforced with PET-coated SBS paperboard shavings applying different processing conditions

Resumo

Awareness about environmental problems has generated interest in the research for new materials in line with the sustainability principles. The recycling of industrial solid waste has contributed to the transformation of environmental liabilities into new products with added commercial value. In this study, the physical, mechanical and thermal properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites reinforced with polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-coated solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard shavings were investigated according to composite formation process variables: preparation temperature, mean particle diameter of components and reinforcement concentration. Very few studies on the characterization of composites reinforced with PETcoated SBS paperboard shavings have been reported to date. The analyses were carried out based on standard methods published by the American Society for Testing and Materials. The results indicate an increase in the moisture content and water absorption occurred as a function of the increase in the reinforcement. With regard to the density, there was no significant influence of variations in the granulometry or concentration of the PET-coated SBS paperboard shavings. Composites formed with particles of 0.73 mm at 140 ºC presented satisfactory tensile and flexural strength, compared with the values for the LDPE resin. Composites with 20% reinforcement formed by particles of 4.05 mm at 140 ºC showed 14% improvement in impact resistance properties. The thermal analysis indicated that shavings degradation occurred at 190 °C. Thus lower temperatures need to be applied in the processing of this composite material. The processing conditions of the composites resulted in different performance for each evaluated property. The use of the composite in manufacturing products must follow the process conditions that will provide to material the desirable level of properties for the best performance of the final product.

Keywords: Lignocellulosic fibers. Low-density polyethylene. Polymer-matrix composites. Sustainability.