Ductile composite films of polyethylene and low grammage paper

• Published in: Industrial crops and products 2022-09, Vol.184, p.115039, Article 115039
• Main Authors: Cordeiro, Luciano, de Almeida Prado, Ana Paula Glavocic, da Silva Curvelo, Antonio Aprigio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: High ductility; Low grammage paper; Mechanical properties; Polyethylene; Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs)
• ISSN: 0926-6690; 1872-633X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.115039

To obtain high dispersion and good mechanical properties, the incorporation of cellulose in non-polar polymeric matrices is usually carried out with chemical modification of precursors or addition of compatibilizers. Despite the great advances in increasing stiffness, the resulting composites generally have their deformation compromised (dramatic decrease in ductility in comparison with neat polymer). Here, from polyethylene films and thin paper sheets, composites that combine high rigidity and high ductility were obtained by hot pressing, without additional steps or compatibilizers. The use of a structured reinforcement (low grammage paper) to prepare the composites allowed: (a) obtaining a good fiber distribution in the matrix; (b) achieve an architecture for composites that enables high deformation; (c) use of mild processing conditions; (d) obtaining via continuous processing by a heated cylinder system. The low grammage paper – PE composites exhibited a considerable increase in modulus (up to 90%) and high ductility. Therefore, as a consequence of the (i) rigidity and ductility, (ii) low price of precursors and (iii) possibility of processing by a simple and practical method, these composite films have potential industrial application (as in tarpaulins and geomembranes). [Display omitted] •Ductile composite films of cellulose fibers well distributed in the polyethylene matrix.•Microstructure containing thin sheets of paper separated by matrix portions.•Matrix presents between the fibers of the sheet prevents pores from coalescing.•Matrix layers between paper sheets prevent pores from growing towards the surface.•Processing on a system of heated rolls.