• Resources Recycling
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.21-29
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• 2008

Waste shell powder was added to the high density polyethylene(HDPE), and resultant mechanical properties and flame retardancy were analyzed in terms of shell content. Compatibilizer(PE-g-MA) was used to enhance the mechanical properties of the prepared HDPE/shell composites, and several flame retardant agents($Al_2O_3$, $Sb_2O_3$) were utilized to improve flame retardancy. Addition of the compatibilizer resulted in an improved mechanical properties due to the increased interfacial bonding between HDPE matrix and shell powder. In the case of impact strength, it even reached to the impact strength of pure HDPE. Also the addition of the flame retardant agents did not exhibit mechanical property decrease. UL-94 flammability test on the prepared HDPE/shell composites indicated that at 40wt% of shell only inclusion, time to ignite the flame and the total time of flame duration increased. When flame retardant agents mixed with shell powder were added to the HDPE matrix, improved flame retardancy was observed. Generally, flame retardancy effect of $Al_2O_3$ was better than $Sb_2O_3$. UL-94 V-0 classification was observed for the specimens with $Al_2O_3$ and compatibilizer at more than 40wt% shell, and also for specimens with $Sb_2O_3$ and compatibilizer at all shell content.