| dc.description.abstract | The research was focused to investigate the utilization of chitosan biopolymer on
properties of recycled polyethylene (RPE). The effect of chitosan loading of RPE
biocomposites on mechanical properties, thermal properties, water absorption and
morphology were studied. Chitosan was compounded with RPE using Z-blade mixer at
processing temperature 180°C and rotor speed 50 rpm. The results show that the
increasing chitosan loading increased the tensile strength, Young’s modulus and water
absorption but decreased the elongation at break of RPE/chitosan biocomposites. The
morphology study show the higher filler loading exhibit better dispersion of chitosan in
matrix. The crystallinity of the biocomposites increased with increasing chitosan
loading. The presence of α-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (Silane A-174) have
increase the tensile strength, Young’s modulus, crystallinity and decreased the
elongation at break and water absorption of RPE/chitosan biocomposites. The SEM
micrograph show the better interfacial interaction between chitosan and RPE. The
effect maleic anhydride-grafted-polyethylene (MAPE) as compatibilizer improved the
tensile strength and Young’s modulus but elongation at break and water absorption
decrease. The compatibilized biocomposites indicates higher crystallinity and enhanced
the adhesion of filler and matrix. The biocomposites with MAPE and silane show
higher tensile strength, Young’s modulus and crystallinity compared to the
biocomposites without MAPE and silane, whereas lower elongation at break and water
absorption. The improvement of tensile properties was supported by morphology
studied. The addition of commercialized eco-degradant PD 04 as additive in
RPE/chitosan biocomposites was increased the tensile strength, Young’s modulus and
reduced the elongation at break. | en_US |
