Rheological and Thermal Investigation of Industrially Processed Glass Fiber Blended with Linear Low-Density Polyethylene for Rotational Molding Process

Abstract

Rotational molding is a technique used to process plastic materials that provide the advantage of obtaining a stress-free end product. While linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) is largely preferred for this method, LLDPE is mixed with different additives in order to obtain adequate strength for some critical applications. In contemplation to obtain a sound product, proper mixing of base resin and additives while sustaining rotomoldability is desirable. In the present study, processibility analysis of LLDPE/glass fiber is investigated. Researchers are familiar with the use of glass fibers as an additive in such criteria. However, the rotational molding process has yet to be studied using its industrially processed dust. In particular, the residue of industrially obtained glass fiber (GF) as a waste is mixed with LLDPE in the different weight ratio of 10% to 50%, with 5% increase subsequently. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is a technique performed to obtain the optimum percentage range where the result infer the dominant peaks of LLDPE and glass fiber assuring the needed blending. Melt flow index test was carried out to assess the rotomoldability of LLDPE/GF fiber in terms of fluidity. Furthermore, the current research examines the effects on the shear modulus and crystallinity of LLDPE/GF blends based on the rheological and DSC analysis, respectively. In conclusion, the experimental results suggest that 20% LLDPE/GF blend is an optimal percentage for the rotational molding process to achieve requisite processibility.