Production of Polymer Composites by Radiation and Chemical Treatments from Recycled Plastic Wastes and Their Applications

Abstract

Different methods have been proposed for the recycling of poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and its blends with other polymers to obtain useful products. These methods are based on blending with different polymers or compounding with radiation synthesized copolymers based on maleic anhydride with methyl methacrylate, styrene and vinyl acetate. On the other hand, the methods proposed to improve the miscibility of mixed polymers are based on different methods of gamma and electron beam irradiation at various doses (30-50 kGy). Also, the addition of compatibilizers based on LDPE graft copolymer with comonomer composed of ethylene glycol (EG) and acrylic acid (AAc) as well as radiation synthesized copolymer based on acrylic acid and styrene (Sty) monomers during mixing. The modified properties were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical testing and studying the affinity for acid, basic and disperse dyes. Based on the results obtained throughout this work, few conclusions may be made: (!) The composites of PET with copolymers is effective than the blending with other polymers. (2) The pre-method of gamma or electron beam irradiation is effectively improved the miscibility of PET/LDPE or PET/PS blends than the direct method of irradiation. (3) The addition of EG/AAc or AAc/Sty copolymers during mixing improved the miscibility than the use of graft copolymer.