Influence of the Electric Arc Furnace Dust in the physical and mechanical properties of EVA–polyethylene–butene blends

This study assesses the processing behaviour and mechanical properties of different thermoplastic polymers filled with Electric Arc Furnace Dust (EAFD). Design of Experiments (DoE) approach enabled the evaluation of the influence of each component and the interactions between them. There were prepared different composite formulations varying the content of EAFD. The mechanical properties and the melt flow index (MFI) of composites were selected as output responses and the effect of CaCO3, BaSO4 and EAFD fillers as well as different polymer matrixes were evaluated. It was observed that slight variations in the formulation yield to a broad range of response values. Polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVA) concentration showed a significant effect on all responses. It was found that the presence of EAFD increased fluidity and decreased the elasticity modulus and the elongation at break. In addition, when added with barite, the presence of EAFD caused an increase of the tensile strength.

Research highlights
► Ethylene polymers are used in composites filled with Electric Arc Furnace Dust (EAFD).
► Design of experiments optimizes the planning and predicts the influence of variables.
► Model estimates the formulations responses and optimize the whole system.
► The use of EVA on the matrix increased MFI, tensile strength and E1% modulus.
► EAFD and barite improve the composites properties compared with its use separately.