Preparation and characterization of a novel polyethylene-Chlorella composite

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.