PP-CBW/m-LLDPE/micro-CaCO3 composite films manufactured from bumper waste by blown film extrusion

Abstract

The synthesis of polypropylene-based car bumper waste (PP-CBW)/metallocene linear low-density polyethylene (m-LLDPE)/micro-CaCO3 composite films for agriculture mulch films applications has been thoroughly investigated during this study. The chemical composition of these wastes was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Three blends of various compositions were prepared using a twin-screw extruder, the pellets were then blown into films using a single screw extruder. The mechanical properties of the films were then studied and compared with the EN 13655, 2002 standards for agriculture mulch films applications. The results indicated that the use of an anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAH-g-PP) as compatibilizer improves the adherence at the interface between the polar acrylic paints present in the car bumper waste and the polymer matrix. Also, the presence of stearic acid surface treated micro-CaCO3 improves considerably the mechanical properties of the composite when the amount of PP-CBW is less than 13 wt%. Using higher amount of PP-CBW improves the tear resistance properties in TD and MD but fails to increase the impact strength and the tensile properties in MD and TD.