Compatibilizer Efficiency in Enhancing Marine Plastic Waste Valorization Through Simulated Recycled Plastic Blends

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Marine plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue.
• Recycling marine environment plastic (MEP) presents challenges due to complex compositions.
• Valorizing MEP requires effective compatibilization and stabilization strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the optimal combination of compatibilizers and stabilizers for enhancing MEP value.
• To develop an effective formulation for recycling MEP by improving its mechanical properties.
• To demonstrate a practical approach for MEP valorization and support circular economy principles.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of MEP composition and preparation of a simulated blend (sMEP).
• Testing various concentrations of three commercial compatibilizers (C1, C2, C3) to improve tensile strength.
• Characterization using tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

Main Results:

• The blend compatibilized with 10 wt.% C3 (polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride) showed the highest increase in tensile strength.
• SEM revealed reduced poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) droplet size in the dispersed phase with C3.
• DSC indicated decreased polyethylene crystallinity and increased polypropylene (PP) crystallinity.

Conclusions:

• The C3 compatibilizer effectively enhanced the interface between PP and PET phases, improving blend properties.
• An effective formulation was developed to valorize marine-sourced plastics using accessible commercial additives.
• The study provides a practical approach for MEP recycling, reducing plastic pollution and promoting circular economy.