A facile evaluation on melt crystallization kinetics and thermal properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) blends

Abstract

In this study, we prepare series of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) blends using melt extrusion. The effects of RPET content on the crystallization behavior and thermal conductive properties of the resultant blends were investigated using DSC, XRD, DMTA, TGA, etc. RPET was found to exert nucleating effect on the melt crystallization of LDPE without changing LDPE's crystal form. A four-parameter model (FPM) was adopted coupled with an in-situ temperature measurement to further disclose the solidification kinetics of LDPE in the presence of RPET. Among three thermal conduction models, the Agari model presented a reasonable prediction of thermal conductivity as a function of LDPE loading. A coefficient of cooling rate (CCR) is proposed and can be applicable as an indicator for thermal conductivity (λ) of the polymer blends. Keywords: Melt blending, Crystallization kinetics, Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET), Thermal conductivity