Characterization of LDPE residual matrix deposited on glass fibres by a dissolution/reprecipitation recycling process

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) residual matrix remaining on short glass fibres, following a recycling process of LDPE/glass composites, were examined. The residual matrix was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). DSC curves showed the existence of a different type of crystallinity, probably occurring because of the history of the sample along the stages that comprise the recycling process. Optical microscopy revealed that, in a subsequent use of the recycled fibres with new polyethylene matrix, the residual matrix can recrystallize to form a transcrystalline layer. The size of this layer seems to depend on the amount of the residual matrix.