Reusing Surlyn^® Ionomer Scraps in LDPE Blends: Mechanical and Thermal Properties

This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of reusing industrial scraps of Surlyn^® ionomer by obtaining blends with Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE). Blends of LDPE and Surlyn^® scraps were obtained by extrusion with compositions ranging from 25 to 75 wt% of the ionomer. Their melt flow index (MFI), morphology (SEM), mechanical (tensile, flexural, impact tests) and thermal properties (DSC, TGA, HDT tests) were analyzed. The morphology of the blends presented two phases, indicating the immiscibility of phases. Surlyn^® incorporation promoted a decrease in the degree of crystallinity of LDPE and a slight increase in the thermal decomposition temperature. In addition, Surlyn^® decreased the decomposition rate of LDPE. However, the decrease in the degree of crystallinity did not affect the mechanical properties of the blends. Incorporating ionomer in LDPE promoted an increase in tensile and flexural strength, tensile and flexural modulus and strain at break. Impact strength decreased with increasing ionomer concentration.

Keywords:
scraps reuse; ionomer; low density polyethylene; blends; mechanical properties