Preparation and Characterization of a Novel Polyethylene-Chlorella Composit
e A composite of polyethylene (PF,) and chlorella, a kind of microalga prod
uced from biological CO2 fixation, was prepared by chemical modification of
polyethylene with maleic anhydride. This novel biomaterial has an interest
ing structure characterized by cellular and foamy grains of chlorella, whic
h are well inlaid in the PE matrix. Strong adhesion between a modified PE m
atrix and chlorella grains can be successfully achieved probably due to che
mical bonding which results in a high-chlorella filling rate of 40% with no
sharp drop in tensile strength.