Siriwan naknoy
Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Burapha University, 20131, Thailand
Pollawat Charoeythornkhajhornchai
Department of Advanced Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Burapha University, 20131, Thailand
Yanisa Laoong-u-thai
Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Burapha University, 20131, Thailand
Keywords: Linear low-density polyethylene, Metalized film, Thermal properties, Mechanical properties, Morphology
Abstract
Plastic waste contaminated with aluminum film, particularly metallized film, was recognized as a severe environmental issue because it could not decompose naturally, leading to a long-lasting environmental presence with heavy metal contaminants. Therefore, effective management was required to address this problem. This study aimed to recycle metallized film into new materials to maximize its reusability by using linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) incorporated with metallized film at 5, 7.5, and 10 phr. The morphology, thermal properties, and thermal degradation of aluminum (Al) film were investigated. The results showed that the addition of aluminum film into the LLDPE matrix slightly increased the melting point due to the effect of the third polymer component and the presence of aluminum particles in the blend. The melt flow index (MFI) of LLDPE with 5, 7.5, and 10 phr aluminum film significantly decreased because the aluminum particles restricted molecular chain mobility, resulting in lower flowability. Furthermore, phase separation of the polymer was observed after the addition of aluminum film into the LLDPE matrix. In addition, the mechanical property results showed that the tensile strength and modulus decreased, whereas the elasticity increased due to the presence of the Al film layer within the LLDPE matrix.
References
Singh N, Hui D, Singh R, Ahuja IS, Feo L, Fraternali F. Recycling of plastic solid waste: A state of art review and future applications. Compos Part B Eng. 2017;115:409–422.
Riedewald F, Wilson E, Patel Y, Vogt D, Povey I, Barton K, et al. Recycling of aluminium laminated pouches and Tetra Pak cartons by molten metal pyrolysis–Pilot-scale experiments and economic analysis. Waste Manag. 2022;138:172–179.
Bauer AS, Tacker M, Uysal-Unalan I, Cruz RM, Varzakas T, Krauter V. Recyclability and redesign challenges in multilayer flexible food packaging—A review. Foods. 2021;10(11):2702.
Anwar MA, Suprihatin, Sasongko NA, Najib M, Pranoto B. Challenges and prospects of multilayer plastic waste management in several countries: A systematic literature review. Case Stud Chem Environ Eng. 2024;10:100911.
Tamizhdurai P, Mangesh V, Santhosh S, Vedavalli R, Kavitha C, Bhutto JK, et al. A state-of-the-art review of multilayer packaging recycling: Challenges, alternatives, and outlook. J Clean Prod. 2024;447:141403.
Ibrahim ID, Hamam Y, Sadiku ER, Ndambuki JM, Kupolati WK, Jamiru T, et al. Need for sustainable packaging: an overview. Polymers. 2022;14(20):4430.
Jasiński D, Djekic I, Dobrović L. Sustainability assessment of employing chemical recycling technologies on multilayer packaging waste. Sustainability. 2025;17(2):556.
Ügdüler S, De Somer T, Van Geem KM, Roosen M, Kulawig A, Leineweber R, et al. Towards a better understanding of delamination of multilayer flexible packaging films by carboxylic acids. ChemSusChem. 2021;14(19):4198–4213.
Nieminen J, Anugwom I, Kallioinen M, Mänttäri M. Green solvents in recovery of aluminium and plastic from waste pharmaceutical blister packaging. Waste Manag. 2020;107:20–27.
Li T, Theodosopoulos G, Lovell C, Loukodimou A, Maniam KK, Paul S. Progress in solvent-based recycling of polymers from multilayer packaging. Polymers. 2024;16(12):1670.
Abbott AP, Capper G, Ryder KS, Healy KJ, Pope RC, Meakins GP, et al. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and their applications. Chem Rev. 2014;114(21):11060–11082.
Loukodimou A, Lovell C, Theodosopoulos G, Maniam KK, Paul S. Delamination and evaluation of multilayer PE/Al/PET packaging waste separated using a hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent. Polymers. 2024;16(19):2718.
Patel MK, Von Thienen NG, Jochem E, Worrell E. Recycling of plastics in Germany. Resour Conserv Recycl. 2000;29(1–2):65–90.
Alrshoudi F, Mohammadhosseini H, Alyousef R, Tahir MM, Alabduljabbar H, Mustafa Mohamed A. The impact resistance and deformation performance of novel pre-packed aggregate concrete reinforced with waste polypropylene fibres. Crystals. 2020;10(9):788.
Bhogayata AC, Arora NK. Impact strength, permeability, and chemical resistance of concrete reinforced with metalized plastic waste fibers. Constr Build Mater. 2018;161:254–266.
Mouats W, Abdelouahed A, Hebhoub H, Boughamsa W. The effect of plastic waste fibers on mortar performance. Arch Civ Eng Environ. 2021;14(4):95–103.
Bhogayata AC, Arora NK. Fresh and strength properties of concrete reinforced with metalized plastic waste fibers. Constr Build Mater. 2017;146:455–463.
Hamad K, Kaseem M, Deri F. Recycling of waste from polymer materials: An overview of the recent works. Polym Degrad Stab. 2013;98(12):2801–2812.
Streit AF, de Santana MP, de Oliveira Júnior DL, Bassaco MM, Tanabe EH, Dotto GL, et al. Development of a pre-treatment process of polymeric wastes (HDPE, LDPE/LLDPE, PP) for application in the qualification of selectors of recyclable materials. Environ Dev Sustain. 2022;24:6349–6371.
Kartalis CN, Papaspyrides CD, Pfaendner R. Recycling of post-used PE packaging film using the restabilization technique. Polym Degrad Stab. 2000;70(2):189-197.
Wanit MU, Hassan A. Thermal degradation of polyethylene and polypropylene. J Appl Polym Sci. 2007;103(4):2462–2467.
Delgadillo-Velázquez O, Hatzikiriakos S, Sentmanat M. Thermorheological properties of LLDPE/LDPE blends. Rheol Acta. 2008;47:19-31.
Delgadillo-Velázquez O, Hatzikiriakos S, Sentmanat M. Thermorheological properties of LLDPE/LDPE blends: Effects of production technology of LLDPE. J Polym Sci B Polym Phys. 2008;46(16):1669-1683.
Harnnarongchai W, Sitticharoen W, Intawong N, Sombatsompop N. Mechanical strengths of molten and solidified LLDPE/LDPE blends and wood/LDPE composites under tensile deformation. J Vinyl Addit Technol. 2011;17(3):164-176.
Ebadi M, Ismail AF, Daud WMAW. Composite of low-density polyethylene and aluminum obtained from the recycling of post-consumer aseptic packaging. J Appl Polym Sci. 2016;133(35).
Das S, Saha PK, Singh RK. Mechanical performance of recycled aluminum–polyolefin composites: Effect of filler content and compatibilizer. Polym Compos. 2020;41(7):2803–2813.
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.