The effect of coated calcium carbonate using stearic acid on the recovered carbon black masterbatch in low-density polyethylene composites

• Published in: e-Polymers Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 1155 - 67
• Main Authors: Leow, Voon Jou, Teh, Pei Leng, Yeoh, Cheow Keat, Abdul Rahim, Nor Azura, Wong, Wee Chun, Voon, Chun Hong, Mohamed Rasidi, Mohamad Syahmie, Lim, Bee Ying
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin De Gruyter 06-07-2023; Walter de Gruyter GmbH
• Subjects: Calcium carbonate; Carbon black; Chemical engineering; Coating effects; Compatibility; Composite materials; Density; Fatty acids; Injection molding; Low density polyethylenes; low-density polyethylene; Materials research; Materials science; Mechanical properties; Melt flow index; Morphology; Packaging; Polyethylene; Polymers; Pyrolysis; rCB masterbatch; recovered carbon black; Stearic acid; stearic acid-coated calcium carbonate; Thermal stability; Thermogravimetric analysis
• ISSN: 1618-7229; 2197-4586; 1618-7229
• DOI: 10.1515/epoly-2023-0025

This research focuses on recycling rubber tire waste through pyrolysis to produce recovered carbon black (rCB). The rCB is combined with recycled low-density polyethylene (rLDPE), calcium carbonate (CaCO
), fatty acid, metallic stearate, and polyethylene (PE) wax to create an rCB masterbatch for household packaging. Surface modification of CaCO
particles using stearic acid improves the compatibility with LDPE. The study investigates mechanical properties, morphology, melt flow index (MFI), X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis in three systems: uncoated, coated, and a hybrid combination of coated and uncoated CaCO
in LDPE/rCB masterbatch composites. The coated system demonstrates higher mechanical properties and improved compatibility between CaCO
and LDPE. All three systems exhibit enhanced thermal stability and MFI compared to virgin LDPE, with the coated system showing the most significant improvement. The study showcases the potential of LDPE/rCB masterbatch composites for household packaging, with the coated system displaying the optimum performance across various characteristics.