Deinking Sludge: A New Biofiller for HDPE Composites

This paper studies the potential of deinking sludge as a biofiller in high-density polyethylene composites. The physicochemical properties of deinking sludge were investigated by X-ray, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and fiber quality analyses. Deinking sludge/high-density polyethylene formulations were produced according to an experimental design. Variables were deinking sludge wt% (5, 12.5, and 20) and maleic anhydride polypropylene content (2 and 4%). The influences of deinking sludge and maleic anhydride polypropylene on the mechanical and morphological properties of deinking sludge/high-density polyethylene composites were investigated. Rigidity and tensile strength increased with fillers content. Maleic anhydride polypropylene ameliorated interfacial interaction and the dispersion of deinking sludge. Maximum properties were predicted at 3.5% of maleic anhydride polypropylene and 15.8% of deinking sludge.