pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S01 - Polymeric Nanocomposites and Nanomanufacturing
Poster Presentation
 
 

R-PET/R-HDPE CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES

Rigail Cedeño Andrés Francisco (1)*

(1) ESPOL - Guayas - Ecuador

Nanocomposites based on recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE), organoclay (Cloisite 20A) and ethylene glycidyl methacrylate compatibilizer (EGMA) were prepared using a single screw extruder followed by injection molding. First, an analysis was performed for each recycled polymer and nanoclay. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray diffraction demonstrated that organoclay has a good affinity with both recycled plastics. It was found that 3 wt% of organoclay addition improved thermal stability but crystallinity was slightly reduced in both r-polymers based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. C20A increased the Young modulus from 900 to 1200 MPa compared to recycled blend. Therefore, this organoclay could act as a mechanical compatibilizer due to the increase of rigidity in the rPET/rHDPE, but more development have to be explored. On the other hand, the addition of 5 wt% EGMA decreased the immiscibility of rPET/rHDPE blend and nanocomposites. However, the effect of EGMA was reduced during nanoclay presence as observed in the SEM micrographs. As a result, the new materials obtained in this research could represent a sustainable alternative solution for structural purposes in industrial applications.