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Influence of xylite fibers, reprocessing and free radicals on the properties and structure of polypropylen compoesites.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Influence of xylite fibers, reprocessing and free radicals on the properties and structure of polypropylen compoesites.
Authors: Szymańska, Joanna1 (AUTHOR) joanna.szymanska@doctorate.put.poznan.pl, Ostrowski, Adam2 (AUTHOR), Paukszta, Dominik1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Polymer Research. Nov2025, Vol. 32 Issue 11, p1-12. 12p.
Abstract: Polypropylene-based composites reinforced with xylite filler, a natural carbonaceous material derived from brown coal, were investigated with a focus on their recyclability and structural integrity after multiple processing cycles. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of six mechanical recycling cycles on the thermal, mechanical, and structural properties of polypropylene composites containing 25 wt% xylite filler. Samples were produced through extrusion and injection molding, and subsequently analyzed using WAXS, DSC, EPR spectroscopy, microscopy, and mechanical testing. The results revealed that while xylite does not significantly influence the crystallization kinetics of the polypropylene matrix, successive recycling improved filler dispersion and increased the degree of crystallinity and β-phase content. The presence of thermally induced free radicals in the composites, detected via EPR, was stable across recycling cycles and contributed to enhanced filler-matrix interfacial adhesion. Despite minor reductions in tensile strength and impact resistance, the composites maintained consistent mechanical performance throughout reprocessing. These findings support the feasibility of using xylite-filled polypropylene composites in applications aligned with circular economy and sustainability principles, demonstrating their potential for multiple life cycles without substantial degradation in material properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Polypropylene-based composites reinforced with xylite filler, a natural carbonaceous material derived from brown coal, were investigated with a focus on their recyclability and structural integrity after multiple processing cycles. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of six mechanical recycling cycles on the thermal, mechanical, and structural properties of polypropylene composites containing 25 wt% xylite filler. Samples were produced through extrusion and injection molding, and subsequently analyzed using WAXS, DSC, EPR spectroscopy, microscopy, and mechanical testing. The results revealed that while xylite does not significantly influence the crystallization kinetics of the polypropylene matrix, successive recycling improved filler dispersion and increased the degree of crystallinity and β-phase content. The presence of thermally induced free radicals in the composites, detected via EPR, was stable across recycling cycles and contributed to enhanced filler-matrix interfacial adhesion. Despite minor reductions in tensile strength and impact resistance, the composites maintained consistent mechanical performance throughout reprocessing. These findings support the feasibility of using xylite-filled polypropylene composites in applications aligned with circular economy and sustainability principles, demonstrating their potential for multiple life cycles without substantial degradation in material properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:10229760
DOI:10.1007/s10965-025-04627-2