Study of properties of some new thermoplastic block copolymers and their corresponding blends with secondary polyethylene

A series of novel thermoplastic block copolymers (BCPs) based on an aliphatic copolyamide and an oligodiene having isocyanate end groups were prepared to obtain new thermoplastics with improved properties. The structure of the new block copolymers was controlled by the molar ratio of components and monitored by the means of IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The morphology of the BCPs was investigated using electronic microscopy (SEM), thermal behaviour was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mechanical properties were studied by specific tests. Starting from these BCPs and using polyethylene waste (secondary polyethylene s-PE), new polymeric blends were obtained and subsequently characterized. A morphology study was performed and mechanical characteristics of these blends comparatively evaluated. We concluded that the new block copolymers can be successfully used as a component of such blends for the recovery of polymeric waste, a viable alternate solution for waste management.