PLA/LLDPE/Organo-Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Composites Containing LLDPE-g-OA Compatibilizers: Mechanical, Physical, Thermal, and Morphology

Ahmad Hafizullah Ritonga; Barita Aritonang; Gusliani Eka Putri; Khairiah Khairiah; Enzo Wiranta Battra Siahaan; Debi Meilani

doi:10.22146/ijc.86983

PLA/LLDPE/Organo-Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Composites Containing LLDPE-g-OA Compatibilizers: Mechanical, Physical, Thermal, and Morphology

https://doi.org/10.22146/ijc.86983

Ahmad Hafizullah Ritonga^(1*), Barita Aritonang⁽²⁾, Gusliani Eka Putri⁽³⁾, Khairiah Khairiah⁽⁴⁾, Enzo Wiranta Battra Siahaan⁽⁵⁾, Debi Meilani⁽⁶⁾

(1) Institut Kesehatan Medistra Lubuk Pakam, Deli Serdang 20512, Indonesia
(2) Institut Kesehatan Medistra Lubuk Pakam, Deli Serdang 20512, Indonesia
(3) Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Syedza Saintika
(4) Universitas Muslim Nusantara Al Washliyah, Medan 20147, Indonesia
(5) Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Darma Agung, Medan 20153, Indonesia
(6) Institut Kesehatan Medistra Lubuk Pakam, Deli Serdang 20512, Indonesia
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract

A plastic composite consisting of polylactic acid (PLA), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), oleic acid-grafted linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE-g-OA) compatibilizer, and organo-precipitated calcium carbonate (O-PCC) have been successfully made in the molten state. This study aims to characterize the mechanical, physical, thermal, and morphological characteristics of the PLA/LLDPE/O-PCC plastic composite in the presence of an LLDPE-g-OA compatibilizer. The plastic composite was prepared by blending PLA, LLDPE, LLDPE-g-OA, and O-PCC using an internal mixer with a heating of 160 °C and a rotation of 100 rpm. LLDPE and LLDPE-g-OA are put together into the inner mixer chamber until melted, followed by PLA and O-PCC. The most optimum plastic composite composition is PLA/LLDPE/LLDPE-g-g-OA/O-PCC (67.5:22.5:5:5). The mechanical properties showed an increase in tensile strength of 9.78 MPa. The physical properties showed that the minimum water absorption was 0.74%, the biodegradation in humus soil showed a degradation rate of 0.09% per day, and the thermal properties showed better stability with a melting point of 146.5 °C. The FTIR spectrum is similar to the polymer blend without O-PCC. The morphology indicates that the composite is compatible and homogeneous. This semi-biodegradable plastic composite has significant implications for reducing the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment.

Keywords

PLA; LLDPE; O-PCC; LLDPE-g-OA; Composite

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References

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/ijc.86983