Properties of tyre dust-filled low density polyethylene composites: The effect of phthalic anhydride

Abstract

The effect of phthalic anhydride as a new coupling agent on the properties of low density polyethylene/tyre dust (LDPE/TD) composites was studied. LDPE/TD composites with different tyre dust filler loading and the addition of phthalic anhydride were prepared with Z-blade mixer. The result indicated that LDPE/TDM composites with phthalic anhydride show higher tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, thermal stability and swelling resistance than LDPE/TD composites. The interfacial adhesion between LDPE and TD was improved with the addition of phthalic anhydride as evidenced by the morphological study