Mechanical and thermal properties of compatibilized waste office white paper-filled low-density polyethylene composites

Abstract

The effect of maleic anhydride-g-polyethylene compatibilizing agent on mechanical and thermal properties of waste office white paper (WOWP)-filled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites was investigated. Results showed that compatibilized LDPE/WOWP composites have higher tensile strength, Young's modulus than uncompatibilized LDPE/WOWP composites, but lower on elongation at break. Thermal analysis results exhibited that compatibilized LDPE/WOWP composites have higher thermal stability, and degree of crystallinity (Xc) compared to uncompatibilized LDPE/WOWP composites, but melting temperature (Tm) did not change significantly. Scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscope studies revealed that the addition of compatibilizing agent enhanced dispersion of filler in polymer matrix as an evidence of covalent bonding between WOWP filler and compatibilizing agent.