Recyclability of low-density polyethylene water sachet film into powder and its suitability for polyethylene-wood composite

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) based water sachet films were recycled into polymer powder by thermochemical treatment. Varying weights of sachet films were dissolved in automotive gas oil (AGO) at elevated temperature, followed by quenching in an ice-bath stainless steel container to determine optimum powder yield and particle size distribution. Sieve analysis of powder was carried out into different particle sizes and consequently to eliminate lumps. The polymer powder was subsequently mixed with maleic anhydride treated African mahogany wood dust (WD), in ratios 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40 wt%, and compacted by hot pressing to produce composite samples. Performance evaluation was carried out on the composite using tensile, flexural and impact energy testing techniques. Water absorption test was also carried out to determine hydrophilicity of the composite. The mass of powder yield from thermochemical treatment was about twice the amount of sachet films. Film dissolution of 100 mg/L of AGO gave optimal powder yield and size distribution with minimal lumps. Performance tests showed that, tensile and flexural strength, and impact energy of composites decreased with increase in the weight percent of wood dust. The water absorption test also revealed increased hydrophilicity of the composite with wood dust ratio.