LONG-TERM STRENGTH OF POLYMER BLENDS FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS

This report presents data on the long-term strength of five composites made of plastic waste. They contain low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene (LDPE, HDPE, PP and PS). Long-term strength is determined experimentally by tensile creep to fracture. The experimentally determined long-term strength is compared to predictions for its probabilistic boundaries. The calculation method of these predictions uses data from short-term experiments. The calculated predictions are true for four compositions which exhibit ductile fracture. The composite containing 50 wt.% PS has the greatest strength (of the tested specimens) and has brittle fracture. Its calculated estimate of long-term strength is not consistent with the experimental one.