Thermal Degradation Behavior of Mechanically Alloyed Mixtures of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Petroleum Coke

S. Sharma ； R. Khanna ； D.D. Mishra ； V. Agarwala ； V. Sahajwalla

《Plastic and Polymer Technology》 2卷4期 (2013/12) Pp. 87-91

並列摘要

Significant quantities of waste plastics generated worldwide have resulted in a serious environmental issue. A number of recycling approaches are developed as alternatives to incineration and landfilling. The modification of polymer degradation behaviour through mechanical alloying is reported in this study. The thermal degradation behaviour of 50:50 blends of High density polyethylene (HDPE) and petroleum coke has been investigated using mechanical alloying (milling) at speeds ranging between 100 to 300 rpm and for periods up to 5 hours. Milled specimens were characterised using SEM and x-ray diffraction; and their thermal degradation behaviour was investigated using thermo-gravimetric analyser (TGA) for temperatures up to 1200°C. Whereas HDPE specimens showed a tendency towards flattening out and increased surface area during collisions in ball mills, petroleum coke particles tended to break down into smaller particles. Coke/HDPE blends showed significant microstructural evolution with increasing speeds and time including fracture, strain hardening and re-welding. X-ray diffraction results showed clear evidence for increasing amorphous component in petroleum coke without much influence on HDPE crystallinity. Thermo-gravimetric results showed a significant increase in the overall degradation and much higher weight losses associated with mechanical alloying. This study has shown that mechanical alloying could be used to speed up the thermal degradation of coke/plastic blends during pyrolysis; and this modification could be used to process plastic waste at relatively lower temperatures or over shorter time periods.

並列關鍵字

HDPE ； Petroleum Coke ； Mechanical Alloying