The effect of coated calcium carbonate using stearic acid on the recovered carbon black masterbatch in low-density polyethylene composites
Voon Jou Leow, Pei Leng Teh, Cheow Keat Yeoh, Nor Azura Abdul Rahim, Wee Chun Wong, Chun Hong Voon, Mohamad Syahmie Mohamad Rasidi, Bee Ying Lim
Abstract
Abstract 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 3 ), fatty acid, metallic stearate, and polyethylene (PE) wax to create an rCB masterbatch for household packaging. Surface modification of CaCO 3 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 3 in LDPE/rCB masterbatch composites. The coated system demonstrates higher mechanical properties and improved compatibility between CaCO 3 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.