Abstract

Urea formaldehyde (UF) resin was prepared and copolymerized with polyethylene waste (PE) to form (UF/PE) composite. The resulting composite was analyzed for formaldehyde emission and other physical properties such as viscosity, gel time, density, refractive index, melting point and moisture uptake. IR analysis of UF, PE and UF/PE showed chemical interaction between UF and PE resins. The level of formaldehyde emission and moisture uptake were found to decrease with increase in PE concentration While, that of elongation at break on the other hand increase with increase in PE concentration. The three problems (hardness, low water resistant and formaldehyde emission) traditionally associated with UF may be addresses with UF/PE composite. Thus this study provides urea formaldehyde and polyethylene waste as a potential binder for the coating industry.

Key words: Polyethylene waste, methylol urea, formaldehyde emission, moisture uptake, reactive blending.