Analysis of Properties of Secondary Polymer Raw Materials and Polyethylene-Based Mixtures

Abstract

Currently, many polymer manufacturers try to recycle raw materials to decrease production waste. Secondary polymer raw materials, however, have certain disadvantages despite the obvious advantages and the focus of the modern global agenda on “green” chemistry. The influence of adding secondary low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to an LDPE/PLA blend is analyzed in this work. It was found that secondary polyethylene has a higher melting point, degree of crystallinity, and degradation temperature than those of starting low-density polyethylene. All these changes are due to oxidative processes that proceed in the polymer. The fact that carbonyl groups are accumulated is detected in IR spectrum of LDPE. The addition of secondary polymer to the LDPE/PLA blend increases the thermophysical properties and changes the crystallization process of the mixture components.