Eco-friendly high-density polyethylene/amorphous cellulose composites: Environmental and functional value

This study aims to enhance the degradation properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) without deteriorating its other useful features. To address the restricted use of HDPE as a packaging material, new biodegradable composites were prepared from amorphous cellulose particles and HDPE via a melt blending technique. The influence of the structure of amorphous cellulose on the soil burial degradation, mechanical, morphological, thermal stability, flowability, and wetting properties of the prepared HDPE composites was investigated. A soil burial test revealed that the degradation properties of the HDPE composite improved with the incorporation of amorphous cellulose. Scanning electron microscopic and X-ray micro-CT observations revealed a good distribution of the amorphous cellulose particle within the HDPE matrix at low loadings. Furthermore, with the addition of amorphous cellulose (up to 4% loading), the tensile strength of the HDPE composite slightly increased. The wetting properties of the composite also increased upon adding amorphous cellulose owing to its high hydrophilicity. These findings indicate the potential of amorphous cellulose for enhancing the degradation properties of HDPE packaging. [Display omitted] •It is important to improve the degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE).•Composite of HDPE with amorphous cellulose is prepared by melt blending.•Amorphous cellulose disperses well in the HDPE matrix.•The tensile strength of HDPE increases with the addition of amorphous cellulose.•Amorphous cellulose enhances the soil degradation of the HDPE composite.