Reuse of XLPE on a LLDPE Matrix: Assessment of the Mechanical Properties Comparing with Predication Models
Abstract:
ALCOBRE is a big copper wire manufacture. On is manufacture process, to obtain the electrical insulation, a XLPE (crosslinked linear polyethylene) thermoset polymer is used as coating external layer. The wastes of this polymer can’t be discarded with regular industrial waste, and the costs of disposing of them in landfills are significant. The XLPE needs to be segregated and then a certified waste company transports this waste to identified dumping areas. In this work we try to reuse some of this XLPE waste by the incorporation on a LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene) matrix. The LLDPE/XLPE blend can be used on the insulation of some copper wires and in this case is possible to reduce the waste level and decreases the waste costs. To assess the compatibility of these two polymers several LLDPE/XLPE blends were made and mechanically tested. After, the analysis of the experimental data, was made recurring to different predication models of blended polymers such us: the rule of mixtures, Kerner-Uemura-Takayanagi model, and Nicolai-Narkis model. The comparison will allow to assess the adhesion between the two material phases. The results anticipate a good adhesion between both phases. For the tensile modulus, a linear relationship is found, which indicates a good adhesion between the phases along the composition range. The increase of XLPE in the mixture decreases the bending and tensile stress. For tensile stress, the Nicolai-Narkis model is suitable for modelling behaviour by inducing good adhesion between phases. In relation to the modulus, it is possible to verify that in relation to the bending modulus the incorporation of XLPE does not affect the module. However, the tensile modulus will be affected with the XLPE quantity in the mixture.
