Publications Repository - Gdańsk University of Technology

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 (iPP) 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 iPP/HDPE blends, especially the brittle iPP-rich ones. The unexpectedly effective compatibilizer transforms brittle iPP/HDPE blends into unexpectedly tough materials that even outperform the reference HDPE and iPP materials. This simple approach creates opportunities for upcycling polymer waste into valuable products.

Authors

• dr hab. inż. Lidia Jasińska-Walc link open in new tab ,
• Jakub Kruszyński link open in new tab ,
• Weronika Nowicka link open in new tab ,
• Rob Duchateau,
• Miloud Bouyahyi,
• Lanti Yang,
• Artur Różański,
• Liu Yingxin,
• PhD Daniele Parisi,
• Ahmad Farhan