Reuse of plastics from solid wastes

Blends of typical polymers that appear in domestic wastes (low density polyethylene and polystyrene) exhibit poor mechanical properties due to incompatibility. Therefore, reprocessing of such unseparated mixtures results in low‐valued products. The inclusion of some additives like EVA or EPDM, which are considered to serve as “compatibilizers”, increases both the tensile strength and toughness of the Blends. The role of these additives and the mechanism of their effect are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. An optimum in the concentration of the additive is verified, and a potentially practical way for reuse of plastics from wastes is indicated.