17th International Fiber and Polymer Research Symposium

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Utilizing discarded high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic for the production of sheath-core bicomponent filaments

Authors :

Oumayma Rezguı¹ Fatih Süvari²

1- Bursa Uludag University 2- Bursa Uludag University

Keywords :

Bicomponent filaments،HDPE،Waste plastic،Sheath-core،Recycling

Abstract :

The study aims to use waste material in the core of bicomponent filaments alongside virgin polymer in the sheath to improve mechanical properties and address environmental concerns. Using waste and virgin HDPE polymers, we conducted experiments with varying extruder speeds to analyse filament count and breaking force. Results indicate a direct relationship between extruder speed and filament count, with higher speeds leading to increased production. Statistical analysis reveals significant improvements in breaking force with higher filament counts. The formation of sheath-core bicomponent filaments results in a more than 67% improvement in tensile strength compared to monofilaments produced from entirely waste HDPE. However, the strength of bicomponent filaments decreases with a higher proportion of waste polymer in the core component, while an increase in virgin polymer in the sheath component enhances strength. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing manufacturing parameters to achieve desired mechanical properties and the potential of bicomponent filaments in utilizing waste materials effectively.