REDUCING THE FLAMMABILITY OF RECYCLED POLYETHYLENE

Abstract

The increasing accumulation of polymer waste and the need 
for sustainable material utilization have led to a growing interest in the 
recycling of polyethylene materials. Recycled polyethylene, also known as 
secondary polyethylene, has found extensive applications in packaging, 
construction, and industrial products due to its low cost and environmental 
advantages. However, one of the major limitations of recycled polyethylene is 
its high flammability, which restricts its use in applications requiring fire 
resistance. This study investigates methods for reducing the flammability of 
recycled polyethylene through the incorporation of flame-retardant additives 
and modification techniques. Different types of flame retardants, including 
mineral fillers, phosphorus-containing compounds, and nanomaterials, are 
analyzed. The effects of these additives on combustion characteristics and 
mechanical properties are discussed. The obtained results indicate that the 
addition of suitable flame-retardant systems significantly improves thermal 
stability and decreases the burning rate of recycled polyethylene materials.