IMPROVING THE INTERFACIAL PROPERTIES OF GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED AND UNREINFORCED WASTE SOURCED LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE/ACRYLONITRILE BUTADIENE STYRENE/POLYSTYRENE COMPOSITES

Abstract

This work is focused on compatibilization of immiscible waste sourced low density polyethylene (LDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polystyrene (PS) blends by different surface modifying routes. To reach better mechanical properties of the given reused waste blends 20% glass fibre was used. The ratio of waste LDPE/ABS/PS was 3.6/2.0/1.0 both in the presence and absence of glass fibre, while the applied concentration of the surface modifying routes was 1% in each case. Blends of raw materials had been manufactured by two roll mill, and specimens were obtained by the press moulded plates. The properties of samples were studied by mechanical testing. Results show that blending of the three kinds of waste polymers without compatibilizers resulted immiscible blends with poor mechanical properties. This could be significantly improved by the application of the commercial and synthetic surface treatment additives. Generally, favourable properties were found in the presence of 20% glass fibre. Especially AD-1 and AD-2 experimental and commercial γ-aminopropylsilane additives showed the best results.