Recycling of Quaternary Household Plastic Wastes by Utilizing Poly(Ethylene-co-Methacrylic acid) Copolymer Sodium Ion: Compatibility and Re-processability Assessments

The recycling of quaternary plastic wastes irrespective of their chemical nature into a value-added material has been investigated in this paper. Household plastic wastes like polyethylene terephthalate bottles, polyethylene bags, polyvinyl chloride sheets, and polypropylene decorative ribbons were recycled based on their polarity by utilizing poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) copolymer sodium ion. The composition of the blend is varied by altering the level of loading of a two-phase compatibilizer. The composition with 7 wt% loading of compatibilizer showed improved properties than the neat blend. Tensile strength and elongation at break (%) improvement of 117% and 485%, respectively reflected in the composition containing 7 wt% of ionomer as a compatibilizer on comparing with 0 wt% of ionomer, making them ideal composition. The compatibilization and improved mechanical performances were supported by nanometric level phase morphological characteristics. The stability and thermal degradation of the compositions are discussed through thermal analysis. Comparative study on repeated processing up to three cycles and their compatibilization mechanism based on polarity has been reported here.