Chitosan filled recycled low density polyethylene composite: Melt flow behaviour and thermal degradation properties

An environmentally friendly composite was fabricated from chitosan and recycled low density polyethylene (rLDPE) with the means of melt mixing at 180 °C. The composites were prepared in different loading (10, 20, 30 and 40 php) of chitosan. Due to the incompatibility between filler and matrix, a coupling agent, Ultraplus TP01, was added into the composites. The melt flow index (MFI) values of rLDPE/chitosan composites decreased with chitosan loading but increased with rise of temperature. With the presence of Ultraplus TP01, MFI values of composites were decreased. The thermal stability of rLDPE/chitosan was reduced with increase of chitosan loading but increased with addition of Ultraplus TP01. It was believed that Ultraplus TP01 had provided better interfacial bonding between chitosan and rLDPE, thus enhanced the thermal stability of rLDPE/chitosan composites.