Influence of Solid-state Shear Milling on Structure and Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene/Polyethylene Blends

ABSTRACT A polypropylene/polyethylene (50/50) blend was prepared at ambient temperature through a solid-phase mechanochemical reactor and is shown to have potential for development as an effective way of recycling mixed plastic waste. The changes of structure and properties of the prepared blend were systematically investigated. It was found that polypropylene and polyethylene phase dimensions significantly reduced and compatibility between phases was enhanced after co-milling. The excellent impact toughness is mainly attributed to the uniform dispersion of the polypropylene and polyethylene phases in the blend and the compatibilization effect of the PP/PE-grafted copolymers produced by the three-dimensional shearing force. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT