Upcycled waxes from mixed polyolefins for hot-melt adhesive (HMA) applications†

Abstract

Upcycled waxes are blended with poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) to make hot-melt adhesives (HMAs). Herein, we report partially recycled HMAs that were prepared by blending EVA with upcycled waxes obtained from mix waste polyolefins. First, waste mixed polyolefins (such as high-density, low-density, and linear low-density polyethylene and polypropylene) were converted into waxes in high yields reaching up to 92%. The obtained upcycled waxes were used as an additive for HMAs along with gum rosin. The thermal properties and seal strength of the HMAs containing upcycled waxes were compared with those of commercially available HMAs. The HMA made from upcycled wax was found to be as efficient in seal strength as the commercially available HMA. This upcycling of plastic waste for use in HMAs is yet another way of promoting circularity in single-use plastics.