Ahmed, Y., Ahmad, M. (2025). Influence of calcium carbonate reinforcement on mechanical properties and sustainability of hdpe-recycled plastic composites for industrial applications. , 43(7), 577-592. doi: 10.30684/etj.2025.160580.1967
Yassin M. Ahmed; Mohammed K. Ahmad. "Influence of calcium carbonate reinforcement on mechanical properties and sustainability of hdpe-recycled plastic composites for industrial applications". , 43, 7, 2025, 577-592. doi: 10.30684/etj.2025.160580.1967
Ahmed, Y., Ahmad, M. (2025). 'Influence of calcium carbonate reinforcement on mechanical properties and sustainability of hdpe-recycled plastic composites for industrial applications', , 43(7), pp. 577-592. doi: 10.30684/etj.2025.160580.1967
Ahmed, Y., Ahmad, M. Influence of calcium carbonate reinforcement on mechanical properties and sustainability of hdpe-recycled plastic composites for industrial applications. , 2025; 43(7): 577-592. doi: 10.30684/etj.2025.160580.1967

Influence of calcium carbonate reinforcement on mechanical properties and sustainability of hdpe-recycled plastic composites for industrial applications

Engineering and Technology Journal
Volume 43, Issue 7, July 2025, Pages 577-592    PDF (1.31 M)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.30684/etj.2025.160580.1967
Authors
Yassin M. Ahmed* ; Mohammed K. Ahmad
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Dept., Technical College of Engineering, Sulaimani Polytechnic University, Sulaimani, Kurdistan, Iraq.
Abstract
Currently, the demand for sustainable materials has led to an interest in polymer composites filled with mineral fillers and recycled materials. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a potential matrix for green composite production due to its widespread application, excellent mechanical properties, ease of recycling, and high density. This study investigates the mechanical properties of HDPE composites containing different mix proportions of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and recycled plastic. The mechanical performance of composites was evaluated by testing their tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus, hardness, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength. Inclusion of CaCO₃ in the matrix resulted in improved stiffness and rigidity of HDPE, with the Young's modulus increasing significantly to 1517.2 MPa for sample A3. However, with an increase in stiffness, there was a decrease in tensile strength and elongation at break, indicating a transition to a more brittle behavior. Samples containing a higher content of recycled plastic showed an increase in ductility and impact resistance, with sample A8 surpassing all others. The blends A9 to A12, which are the most balanced mixtures of HDPE, CaCO₃, and recycled plastic, offered the best compromise in terms of mechanical strength and flexibility. Sample A12 demonstrated good performance in terms of tensile strength (18.71 MPa), elongation at break (90%), Young's modulus (210 MPa), and impact strength (69.9 kJ/m²). The results of the current study support the idea that plastic waste can be recycled and used as components in functional materials, aligning with the sustainable development goals. Recycling plastic reduces landfill waste, conserves resources, and enables the creation of new products, thereby contributing to a more circular economy.

Highlights
  • Twelve formulations with HDPE, CaCO₃, and recycled plastic were prepared and tested
  • Higher CaCO₃ reduced tensile strength and elongation, increasing brittleness
  • Recycled plastics enhanced elongation and impact resistance, improving toughness
  • Optimal blends of CaCO₃ and recycled plastics balance strength and sustainability
  • The composites are affordable, eco-friendly, and suitable for various industries
Keywords
High; density polyethylene (HDPE) CaCO₃ Recycled Plastics Mechanical Properties Sustainability
References
  1. M. O. Awan, A. Shakoor, M. S. Rehan, and Y. Q. Gill, Development of HDPE Composites with Improved Mechanical Properties Using Calcium Carbonate and NanoClay, Physica B: Condensed Matter, 606 (2021) 412568. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physb.2020.412568
  2. H. Sepet, N. Tarakcioglu, and R. Misra, Determination of the Mechanical, Thermal and Physical Properties of Nano-CaCO3 Filled High-Density Polyethylene Nanocomposites Produced in an Industrial Scale, J. Compos. Mater., 50 (2016) 3445-3456. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021998315621371
  3. S. C. S. Teixeira, M. M. Moreira, A. P. Lima, L. S. Santos, B. M. da Rocha, et al., Composites of High Density Polyethylene and Different Grades of Calcium Carbonate: Mechanical, Rheological, Thermal, and Morphological Properties, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 101 (2006) 2559-2564. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.23920
  4. J. González, C. Albano, M. Ichazo, and B. Dı́az, Effects of Coupling Agents on Mechanical and Morphological Behavior of the PP/HDPE Blend with Two Different CaCO3, Eur. Polym. J., 38 (2002) 2465-2475. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0014-3057(02)00120-9
  5. K. Dölle, In-Situ Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Paper Filler Material: A Review, J. Eng. Res. Rep., 21 (2021) 38-58. https://doi.org/10.9734/jerr/2021/v21i1117502
  6. S. Wardhani, R. M. Iqbal, D. Darjito, D. Kurniassri, S. Q. Ayuningtyas, Surface Modification of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate(PCC)-Derived From Indonesia’s Limestone Using Sodium Tripolyphosphate and Sodium Stearic, Biointerface Res. Appl. Chem., 14 (2024) 87. https://doi.org/10.33263/BRIAC144.087
  7. C. S. Baek, K. H. Cho, and J.-W. Ahn, Effect of Grain Size and Replacement Ratio on the Plastic Properties of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Using Limestone as Raw Material, J. Korean Ceram. Soc., 51 (2014) 127-131. http://dx.doi.org/10.4191/kcers.2014.51.2.127
  8. S. Sahebian, S. M. Zebarjad, S. A. Sajjadi, Z. Sherafat, and A. Lazzeri, Effect of Both Uncoated and Coated Calcium Carbonate on Fracture Toughness of HDPE/CaCO3 Nanocomposites, J. Appl. Polym. Sci, 104 (2007) 3688-3694. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.25644
  9. H. Sepet, B. Aydemir, and N. Tarakcioglu, Evaluation of Mechanical and Thermal Properties and Creep Behavior of Micro- and Nano-CaCO3 Particle-Filled HDPE Nano- and Microcomposites Produced in Large Scale, Polym. Bull., 77 (2020) 3677-3695. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-019-02922-9
  10. R. Dweiri, Processing and Characterization of Surface Treated Chicken Eggshell and Calcium Carbonate Particles Filled High-Density Polyethylene Composites, Mat. Res., 24 (2021) e20210078. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-5373-MR-2021-0078
  11. M. S. Mohsenzadeh, Fracture Mechanisms and micromechanical Deformation Processes of Polyethylene/Calcium Carbonate Nanocomposite Films, Polym. Compos., 41 (2020) 5096-5103. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.25777
  12. A. L. Catto, B. V. Stefani, V. F. Ribeiro, and R. M. C. Santana, Influence of Coupling Agent in Compatibility of Post-Consumer HDPE in Thermoplastic Composites Reinforced with Eucalyptus Fiber, Mat. Res., 17 (2014) 203-209. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1516-14392014005000036
  13. M. Hesabi, S. Brennan, Q. Boulard, F. Le Blanc, and I. Major, J. Thermoplast. Compos. Mater., 36 (2023) 728-748. https://doi.org/10.1177/08927057211031956
  14. S. Kherici, D. Benouali, and C. Nouredine, The Effects of Calcium Carbonate Filler on HDPE Pipe, Adv. Sci. Technol. Res. J., 16 92022) 213-218. https://doi.org/10.12913/22998624/149606
  15. Z. Bartczak, A. S. Argon, R. E. Cohen, and M. Weinberg, Toughness Mechanism in Semi-Crystalline Polymer Blends: II. High-Density Polyethylene Toughened with Calcium Carbonate Filler Particles, Polymer, 40 (1999) 2347-2365. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0032-3861(98)00444-3
  16. A. G. De Oliveira, A. L. N. Da Silva, A. M. Furtado De Sousa, M. C. A. M. Leite, J. C. Jandorno, and V. A. Escócio, Composites Based on Green High-Density Polyethylene, Polylactide and Nanosized Calcium Carbonate: Effect of the Processing Parameter and Blend Composition, Mater. Chem. Phys., 181 (2016) 344-351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2016.06.068
  17. Q. Lu and Q. Dou, Investigation of the Microstructures, Properties, and Toughening Mechanism of Polypropylene/Calcium Carbonate Toughening Masterbatch Composites, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 134 (2017) 45515. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.45515
  18. S. Choi, J. Zhao, P. C. Lee, and D. Choi, The Effect of Coupling Agents and Graphene on the Mechanical Properties of Film-Based Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic, Polymers, 16 (2024) 380. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16030380
  19. M. A. A. Ghalia, Mechanical, Rheological, And Thermal Properties Of Calcium Carbonate Filled Polypropylene/Linear Low Density Polyethylene Composites, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 121 (2011) 2413-2421 http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/app.33570
  20. S. Bellayer, E. Tavard, S. Duquesne, A. Piechaczyk, and S. Bourbigot, Mechanism of Intumescence of a Polyethylene/Calcium Carbonate/Stearic Acid System, Polym. Degrad. Stab., 94 (2009) 797-803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2009.01.032
  21. R. Yang, Y. Liu, J. Yu, and K. Wang, Thermal Oxidation Products and Kinetics of Polyethylene Composites, Polym. Degrad. Stab., 91 (2006) 1651-1657. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2005.12.013
  22. R. H. Elleithy, I. Ali, M. A. Ali, and S. M. Al‐Zahrani, High Density Polyethylene/Micro Calcium Carbonate Composites: A Study of the Morphological, Thermal, and Viscoelastic Properties, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 117 (2010) 2413-2421. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/app.33064
  23. S. Sahebian, S. M. Zebarjad, J. V. Khaki, and S. A. Sajjadi, The Effect of Nano-Sized Calcium Carbonate on Thermodynamic Parameters of HDPE, J. Mater. Process. Technol., 209 (2009) 1310-1317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2008.03.066
  24. C. Wang, L. Cai, S. Q. Shi, G. Wang, H. Cheng, and S. Zhang, Thermal and Flammable Properties of Bamboo Pulp Fiber/High-Density Polyethylene Composites: Influence of Preparation Technology, Nano Calcium Carbonate and Fiber Content, Renewable Energy, 134 (2019) 436-445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2018.09.051
  25. M. Barczewski, K. Lewandowski, M. Schmidt, and M. Szostak, Melt Fracture and Rheology of Linear Low Density Polyethylene - Calcium Carbonate Composites, Polym. Eng. Sci., 57 (2017) 998-1004. https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.24477
  26. U. Atikler, D. Basalp, and F. Tihminliog, Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Recycled High-Density Polyethylene, Filled with Calcium Carbonate and Fly Ash, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 102 (2006) 4460-4467. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.24772
  27. R. Misra, P. Nerikar, K. Bertrand, and D. Murphy, Some Aspects of Surface Deformation and Fracture of 5–20% Calcium Carbonate-Reinforced Polyethylene Composites, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 384 (2004) 284-298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2004.06.047
  28. H. Huang, Structure Development and Property Changes in High-Density Polyethylene/Calcium Carbonate Blends during Pan-Milling, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 74 (1999) 1459-1464. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-4628(19991107)74:6%3C1459::AID-APP19%3E3.0.CO;2-D
  29. B. A. Alshammari, A. M. Alenad, F. S. Al-Mubaddel, et al., Impact of Hybrid Fillers on the Properties of High Density Polyethylene Based Composites, Polymers, 14 (2022) 3427. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163427
  30. Q. Yuan, J. S. Shah, K. J. Bertrand, and R. D. K. Misra, On Processing and Impact Deformation Behavior of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)–Calcium Carbonate Nanocomposites, Macromol. Mater. Eng., 294 (2009) 141-151. https://doi.org/10.1002/mame.200800300
  31. A. O. Ogah, O. E. Ezeani, S. C. Nwobi, and I. I. Ikelle, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Agro-Waste Filled Recycled High Density Polyethylene Biocomposites, South Asian Res. J. Eng. Techol., 4 (2022) 55-62.
  32. C. Wang, Xian Yu, and L. M. Smith, Interfacial Properties of Bamboo Fiber-Reinforced High-Density Polyethylene Composites by Different Methods for Adding Nano Calcium Carbonate, J. Polymers, 9 (2017). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9110587
  33. C. Wang, X. Wei, L. M. Smith, G. Wang, S. Zhang, and H. Cheng, Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Bamboo Pulp Fiber Reinforced High Density Polyethylene Composites: Influence of Nano CaCO3 Treatment and Manufacturing Process with Different Pressure Ratings, J. Renewable Mater., 10 (2022) 1829-1844. https://doi.org/10.32604/jrm.2022.018782
  34. C. Wang, S. Wang, H. Cheng, Y. Xian, and S. Zhang, Mechanical Properties and Prediction for Nanocalcium Carbonate-Treated Bamboo Fiber/High-Density Polyethylene Composites, J. Mater. Sci., 52 (2017) 11482-11495. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10853-017-1285-1
  35. K. Mitsuishi, S. Kodama, and H. Kawasaki, Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene/Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Filled with Calcium Carbonate, Polym. Compos., 9 (1988) 112-118. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.750090203
  36. N. F. Ramli, S. A. Ghani, T. P. Leng, and Y. C. Keat, Effects of Poly(Vinylchloride)-Maleic Anhydride as Coupling Agent on Mechanical, Water Absorption, and Morphological Properties of Eggshell Powder Filled Recycled High Density Polyethylene/Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Composites, J. Adv. Res. Appl. Sci. Eng. Techol., 28 (2022) 33-43. https://doi.org/10.37934/araset.28.1.3343
  37. A. G. Supri, R. N. Farahana, and P. L. Teh, Effect of Filler Loading and Benzyl Urea on Tensile, Water Absorption, and Morphological Properties of Recycled High-Density Polyethylene/Ethylene Vinyl Acetate/Calcium Carbonate (rHDPE/EVA/CaCO3) Composites, J. Adv. Res. Mater. Sci., 11 (2015) 20-29.
  38. A. B. Maulana, E. Widodo, A. Fahruddin, and S. Yulianto, Design of a Single Screw Extruder Machine for 3d Printing Filament Production Application, Sintek. J. Ilm. Teknik. Mesin, 17 (2023) 24. http://dx.doi.org/10.21070/ups.1113
  39. C. Abeykoon, Single Screw Extrusion Control: A Comprehensive Review and Directions for Improvements, Control Eng. Pract., 51 (2016) 69-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conengprac.2016.03.008
  40. T. Flieh Hassen, Influence of Glass Fiber and Calcium Carbonate on The Mechanical and Rheological Properties of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), J. Phys.: Conf. Ser., 1279 (2019) 012076. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1279/1/012076
  41. S. Chariyachotilert, N. Kooudomrut, and W. Rittisith, Properties of Recycled Plastics from HDPE Drinking Water Bottles, J. Kasetsart, 171 (2006).
  42. L. Zhang, X. Chen, and C. Li, Mechanical Properties of PVC/Nano-CaCO3 Composites, J. Mater. Sci., 40 (2005) 2097-2098. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-005-1244-0
  43. S. N. Maiti and P. K. Mahapatro, Mechanical Properties of i‐PP/CaCO3 Composites, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 42 (1991), 3101-3110. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.1991.070421204
  44. J. Cherusseri, S. Pramanik, L. Sowntharya, D. Pandey, K. K. Kar, and S. D. Sharma, Polymer-Based Composite Materials: Characterizations, Compos. Mater., (2017) 37-77. http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-662-49514-8_2
  45. N. L. Batista, E. Helal, R. S. Kurusu, N. Moghimian, E. David, et al., Mass‐produced Graphene—HDPE Nanocomposites: Thermal, Rheological, Electrical, and Mechanical Properties, Polym. Eng. Sci., 59 (2019) 675-682. https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.24981
  46. S. Kwon,  K. J. Kim , H. Kim, P. P. Kundu, T. J. Kim, Y. K. Lee,  et al., Tensile Property and Interfacial Dewetting in the Calcite Filled HDPE, LDPE, and LLDPE Composites, Polymer, 43 (2002) 6901-6909. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0032-3861(02)00399-3
  47. J. Suwanprateeb, Calcium Carbonate Filled Polyethylene: Correlation of Hardness and Yield Stress, Compos. Part A-Appl. Sci. Manuf., 31 (2000) 353-359. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1359-835X(99)00076-7
  48. S. Sánchez-Valdes, High-Density Polyethylene/Recycled HDPE/Nanoclay Composites Using an Amine-Alcohol Modified Polyethylene as a Compatibilizer, Iran Polym. J., 30 (2021) 297-305. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13726-020-00889-3
  49. F. Vilaplana and S. Karlsson, Quality Concepts for the Improved Use of Recycled Polymeric Materials: A Review, Macro. Materials & Eng., 293 (2008) 274-297. https://doi.org/10.1002/mame.200700393
  50. J. Hopewell, R. Dvorak, and E. Kosior, Plastics Recycling: Challenges and Opportunities, Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B., 364 (2009) 2115-2126. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2008.0311
  51. M. Öksüz and H. Yıldırım, Effect of Calcium Carbonate on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Isotactic Polypropylene/Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Blends, J. Appl. Polymer Sci., 96 (2005) 1126-1137. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.21555
  52. İ. Karagöz, H. İ. Duyar, A. Çavuşoğlu, and H. Sepetcioglu, Synergistic Effects on the Mechanical, Thermal, and Morphological Properties of HDPE Composites Reinforced With Walnut Shell and Nano‐Calcium Carbonate, J. Appl. Polymer Sci., (2025) e57464. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/app.57464
  53. A. Qaiss, R. Bouhfid, and H. Essabir, Characterization and Use of Coir, Almond, Apricot, Argan, Shells, and Wood as Reinforcement in the Polymeric Matrix to Valorize These Products, Agricultural Biomass Based Potential Materials, (2015) 305-339. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13847-3_15
  54. A. Qaiss, R. Bouhfid, and H. Essabir, Effect of Processing Conditions on the Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Composites Reinforced by Natural Fibres, Manufacturing of Natural Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites, (2015) 177-197. https://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-319-07944-8_9
  55. M. N. Khalaf, Mechanical Properties of Filled High Density Polyethylene, J. Saudi Chemical Society, 19 (2015) 88-91.
  56. Y. Wang, L. Lu, Y. Hao, Y. Wu, and Y. Li, Mechanical and Processing Enhancement of a Recycled HDPE/PPR-Based Double-Wall Corrugated Pipe via a POE- g -MAH/CaCO3 /HDPE Polymer Composite, ACS Omega, 6 (2021) 19705-19716.
  57. Y. Ngothai, H. Putra, T. Ozbakkaloglu, and R. Seracino, Effect Of Caco3 Size On The Mechanical Properties Of Recycled Hdpe, 2009.
  58. J. A. K. Tipu, N. A. Aslam, A. Muhammads, et al., Mechanical Properties Evaluation of Recycled High-Density Polyethylene via Additive Manufacturing, Zenodo, Oct. 17 (2023). https://zenodo.org/doi/10.5281/zenodo.10012303
  59. G. J. Howard and R. A. Shanks, The Influence of Filler Particles and Polymer Structure on the Mobility of Polymer Molecules, J. Appl. Polymer Sci., 26 (1981) 3099-3102. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.1981.070260923
Statistics
Article View: 280
PDF Download: 210


Journal Management System. Powered by iJournalPro.com