The physical – mechanical properties of low-density polyethylene films

Abstract

Polyethylene (PE) is the most commonly used polymer. Most of the polymers are processed by the packaging sector. PE products are the most recycled plastic due to the short life of packaging materials. The experiment is based on real issues in the recycling of plastic waste in a world that is increasingly up to date. One way of recycling it is to produce returnable plastic bottles that can be used up to 50 times. The low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film is applied to the plastic bottles before filling with a specific medium. After the contents of the bottle have been consumed, the LDPE film is stripped. Subsequently, a new recyclable film is applied to the bottles used and the process is repeated. Changes in the properties of LDPE films applied to these returnable bottles have been evaluated by several tests (tensile test and water absorption test). The tests were performed on unused LDPE films and on used LDPE films, which were filled with the medium for 3 months. The fill media was chosen from commonly available goods.