Characterisation of LDPE residual matrix deposited on glass fibres by a dissolution reprecipitation recycling process

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) residual matrix remaining on short glass fi bres, following a recycling process of LDPE/glass composites, were examined . The residual matrix was characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SE M), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). DSC curves showed the existence of a different type of crystallinity , probably occurring because of the history of the sample along the stages that comprise the recycling process. Optical microscopy revealed that, in a subsequent use of the recycled fibres with new polyethylene matrix, the re sidual matrix can recrystallise to form a transcrystalline layer. The size of this layer seems to depend on the amount of the residual matrix. (C) 199 9 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.