Renewable Polymer/ Thermoplastics Polyethylene Blended with Enhanced Mechanical and UV Stability Properties

Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Parit Raja, 86400, Batu Pahat, Malaysia

^* Corresponding author: nurulsyamimisalim@gmail.com

Abstract

Blends of Renewable Polymer (RP) and thermoplastic polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE) may contribute to make recycling more economically attractive. In this study, the monomer is mixed with flexible isocynate as a crosslinker, these mixture is called Renewable Polymer. Renewable polymers are mixed in a Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and High-density polyethylene (HDPE) with a ratio of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30%. The aim of this work to make LDPE/RP and HDPE/RP blends injected via injection molding and to evaluate their mechanical properties via tensile test. Accelerated weathering test up for 500 hours, 1000 hours, 1500 hours, 2000 hours, 2500 hours and 3000 hours. The blends yielded tensile strength and maximum elongation at break curves very dependent on their composition, especially regarding the presence of necking. The tensile strength increase at 500 hours, while maximum elongation at break were found to decreased with increase of UV irradiation hours. In conclusion, RP content and UV irradiation time play significant roles in controlling mechanical properties of the RP-blended with LDPE and HDPE synthetic polymer, thus providing the opportunity to modulate polymer properties.