The potential of deinking paper sludge for recycled HDPE reinforcement

This article studies the potential of deinking paper sludge (DPS) and recycled high density polyethylene (RHDPE) for biocomposites (DPS/RHDPE). Different DPS loadings (0 to 20 wt%) and compatibilizer content (0 to 4 wt%) were used in (DPS/RHDPE) formulations. A commercial paper wet‐strength agent polyamideamine‐epichlorohydrin resin (PAE) was used as DPS binder. The effects of DPS composition and PAE content on RHDPE/DPS biocomposites performance were studied. First, the chemical composition, morphology and thermal behavior of DPS were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, fiber quality analyser, and thermogravimetric analyses. The effect of the chemical treatment was evaluated using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Finally, crystallization behavior and tensile properties of DPS based biocomposites were discussed. Results revealed that DPS have a nucleating effect thanks to the presence of minerals such as calcium carbonate and talc. DPS increased the stiffness and the tensile strength of RHDPE. PAE could also serve as a compatibilizer between fibers and RHDPE. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:616–623, 2018.