Characterization by Thermogravimetric Analysis of Polymeric Concrete with High Density Polyethylene Mechanically Recycled

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the characterization by thermogravimetric analysis of a new composite material called polymeric concrete. The polymeric concrete contains micro-particles obtained from High Density Poly-Ethylene (HDPE) mechanically recycled (post-consumer bottles); the official Mexican standard NMX-E-232-SCFI-1999 considers the HDPE as the recyclable plastic material. Thermo-grams based on weight lost were obtained from the raw material (HDPE) and the polymer concrete in order to obtain the glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tf). The analysis conditions were defined from 20˚C to 180˚C and the heat rate of 1˚C/minute. The results show that the glass transition temperature of polymeric concrete is 46˚C and the HDPE is 38˚C. These results mean that the polymeric concrete is more resistant to decomposition. With respect to the melting temperature, the results show that the 2˚C difference between polymeric concrete and HDPE is not significant.