SILVA, P. S.; SILVA, Poliana dos Santos.
Abstract:
Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable fiber, is widely available in
nature, second only to cellulose. It may be used to increase mechanical and
thermal performance of polymeric compounds, but some key factors, such as
the ideal matrix and loading level are still poorly known. In this work HDPEchitosan
compound were prepared by melt mixing in a laboratory internal
mixer (Haake Rheomix 600). The effect of loading level and compatibilization
with maleated polyethylene on the processability, structure, and mechanical
and thermal properties of the compounds were studied. Processability data
show a linear increase of torque with the loading level, but addition of chitosan
did not contributed to degradation of the polyethylene matrix, even at the high
25% level studied. DSC results indicate that thermal transitions and
crystallinity are not affected by the chitosan or the compatibilizer. According to
TGA results, the thermal stability of the matrix increased with the incorporation
of chitosan. Morphology, elastic modulus and tensile strength were not
affected. However, the extension at break was significantly reduced.
