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i PP/HDPE blends compatibilized by a polyester: An unconventional concept to valuable products.

Jakub KruszynskiWeronika NowickaArtur RozanskiYingxin LiuDaniele ParisiLanti YangFarhan Ahmad PashaMiloud BouyahyiLidia Jasinska-WalcRob Duchateau
Published in: Science advances (2024)
Polyolefins are the most widely used plastics accounting for a large fraction of the polymer waste stream. Although reusing polyolefins seems to be a logical choice, their recycling level remains disappointingly low. This is mainly due to the lack of large-scale availability of efficient and inexpensive compatibilizers for mixed polyolefin waste, typically consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and isotactic polypropylene ( i PP) that, despite their similar chemical hydrocarbon structure, are immiscible. Here, we describe an unconventional approach of using polypentadecalactone, a straightforward and simple-to-produce aliphatic polyester, as a compatibilizer for i PP/HDPE blends, especially the brittle i PP-rich ones. The unexpectedly effective compatibilizer transforms brittle i PP/HDPE blends into unexpectedly tough materials that even outperform the reference HDPE and i PP materials. This simple approach creates opportunities for upcycling polymer waste into valuable products.
Keyphrases
  • high density
  • heavy metals
  • sewage sludge
  • municipal solid waste
  • life cycle