Recycling Of Low - Density Polyethylene (Water Sachet) Film As Filler For The Production Of Polyurethane In Cold Chain Supply Management

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the potentials of incorporating recycled low-density polypropylene (PE) sachet water film as a sustainable filler in the manufacture of flexible polyurethane (PU) foam materials that could enhance cold chain management systems. Different formulations of PU foam were tested, focusing on the effects of PE on key mechanical properties. All formulations were mixed for 15 seconds, ensuring a consistent process, though cream time (13.6-17.2 seconds) and rise time (108-124 seconds) varied across compositions. The foam densities ranged from 21.64 to 26.44 kg/m³, with higher PE content generally increasing density and Mechanical properties influenced by the PE content. Compression strength rose with higher PE but remained within the National Institute of Standards (NIS) limit of 10 kg/cm². However, flexural strength, tensile strength, force per unit area, and elongation decreased as PE content increased, indicating a trade-off between cost-efficiency and mechanical performance. Despite these changes, all formulations showed homogeneous morphology under Scanning Electron Microscopy, suggesting consistent material quality. The presented work indicates that PE can be efficiently introduced as a filler for flexible PU foams, hereby improving the foam performance, lowering production costs, and reducing the environmental impact of the indiscriminate disposal that is redirected by reusing these waste materials. However, higher PE percentages tend to lower the mechanical performance of the foam, indicating a need for optimized compositions.