MODIFICATION OF A POLYETHYLENE AND POLYPROPYLENE BLEND WITH UREA-FUNCTIONALIZED PHENOL-FORMALDEHYDE CO-OLIGOMER

This research presents a novel approach to addressing the challenges in recycling polyethylene and polypropylene (PE/PP) waste. Since PE and PP-based waste generally originates from the same household and industrial sources, they are often encountered as a mixture. Due to their differing physicochemical properties, separating these polymers becomes necessary prior to recycling. However, the separation and sorting of waste is a complex process, which limits the implementation of recycling. This study offers a more efficient recycling method that enables the processing of waste together without the need for separation. To improve the chemical compatibility and blending of PE/PP mixtures, a ureafunctionalized phenol-formaldehyde co-oligomer (UFFCO) was synthesized and added to the system as a modifier. This modifier enhanced the overall physicochemical properties of the blend by facilitating better interaction between the two polymer phases. The key characteristics of the modified blends were investigated using physicochemical analysis methods.