Recycling of Polyethylene/Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Post-Consumer Oil Pouches using Compatibiliser

Abstract

The recyclability of LDPE/LLDPE/PET based post-consumer laminated oil pouches, and the scope for improvement of the properties of the recycled polymer by the addition of reactive compatibilisers are evaluated. Two efficient reactive compatibilisers, viz., a zinc salt of ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer (Surlyn ionomer) and polyethylene graft maleic anhydride (Fusabond) were used. The effectiveness of the compatibiliser in the recycling of laminated oil pouches was evaluated by infrared spectroscopy, melt flow index, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, rheological and mechanical properties. The melt viscosity, thermal stability and mechanical properties of the recycled material were improved to a satisfactory level by the addition of 5 wt% of compatibiliser. The Surlyn ionomer gave better thermal and mechanical properties. The overall performance of the compatibilised recycled oil pouch materials indicates their suitability for several demanding applications.