Development of recycled high-density polyethylene for container applications

This research aims to develop alternative materials based on recycled plastics that can be utilized as containers and other plastic products; for which the materials will be prepared from recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) with the addition of flame-retardant agents, other additives, and varying contents of Zinc borate from 0 to 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 parts per hundred parts of polymers (pph). The samples will be prepared by mixing all ingredients using a high-speed mixer and twin-screw extruder. The extrudates will then be formed into specimens using an injection molding machine. Important properties of the materials, including physical (flow ability and density), mechanical (tensile properties, Izod impact resistance, hardness, and temperature-caused bending properties), flame retardant (Limited Oxygen Index (LOI) according to ASTM D2863-06 and material flammability (UL-94) according to ASTM D3801-10 with a vertical flame setup), and morphological (scanning electron microscope; SEM) properties will be thoroughly conducted. All results and information obtained from this research will be transferred to both public and private sectors for potential implementation into actual productions of high-quality products.