Tensile properties of chitosan filled recycled low density polyethylene composites

Abstract

The chitosan powder was added into recycled low density polyethylene (rLDPE) to form composites with different filler loading. Since the chitosan was not compatible with rLDPE, Ultra Plast TP01 (TP01) was added as coupling agent with the aim to improve the properties of composites. In this study, the rLDPE/chitosan composites were prepared by using Z-blade mixer. The effects of chitosan loading and TP01 on tensile properties of rLDPE/chitosan composites were studied. It was discovered that the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of composites increased with the rise of chitosan loading. The presence of TP01 had further enhanced the tensile strength and stiffness of rLDPE/chitosan composites in comparison to the composites without coupling agent. However, the addition of chitosan and TP01 had decreased the ductility of composites as the elongation at break of composites was declined. It was believed that TP01 managed to improve the interfacial bonding between chitosan and rLDPE, that resulting in the improved tensile strength. The SEM micrographs revealed that smaller holes were found in the fracture surface of rLDPE/chitosan composite with TP01 compare to the composites without TP01.