1

The Effects of Acid- Base Solution on the Melting and Decomposition of High-

Density Polyethylene: A Comprehensive Study

Halim, Sarah

Damiano, Sophia

Francisco, Snow wensell

Lanipa, Rolly

Salvador, Farah

Proponents

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment in BES116- LECTURE (Organic Chemistry)

WESTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY

Normal Road, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City

Jessie B. Locsin JR.

Adviser

May, 2023
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Plastic waste is increasing at an alarming rate and is harming the environment

because it is difficult to degrade. Worse, roads and parking lots have significantly

shorter design lives, as do alternative road paving techniques like reinforced concrete

slabs and concrete paving blocks (in developing countries). As a result of these

challenges, the goal of this study was to reduce the amount of plastic waste dumped in

Kigali landfills by recycling it into construction materials, while considering both

economic and environmental advantages. Specific goals included increasing the use of

post-consumer plastic waste and developing alternative eco-friendly building materials.

Similarly, the study aimed to determine the melting point and subsequent effects of

temperature on high density polyethylene (HDPE), as well as the material component

mix ratio that provides the highest compressive strength. The study sought to evaluate

the performance of a paving material made of sand and plastic waste. Compressive

strength tests revealed values of 21.73 N/mm2, 26.15 N/mm2, 4.79 N/mm2 before heat

exposure and 17.79 N/mm2, 22.37 N/mm2, 3.52 N/mm2 after 12 hours of exposure to

35 0C for HDPE pavers with sand mix ratios of 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5. Water absorption

testing revealed an average value of 0.052%, which is lower than that of cement

concrete pavers. The study concluded that if made and used, these pavers will not only

reduce construction costs, particularly those for repairs, but will also help with

environmental conservation. Roads and parking lots will be built at a lower cost, and the

increased durability will improve accessibility and boost economic growth.

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LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES

Table/Figure Page
Table 1: LDPE and HDPE Properties 10
Table 2: General Procedures 13
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to acknowledge and give our warmest thanks our very own

organic chemistry instructor Mr. Jessie B. Locsin Jr. for his efforts to help us making the

work possible. His advice carried us through all the stages of making this study.

We also thank our colleagues in the Department of Environmental Engineering,

who helped and provide us their insight and suggestions that greatly assisted our

research.

The leader and member of this group is also grateful for all the helps and

suggestions that help their studies work.

And foremost, to the almighty God for the guidance and strength. He bestowed

on them all the way as they accomplish this research project.

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TABLE OF CONTENT

TITLE PAGE…………………………………………………………….......... 01

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ……………………………………………………. 02

LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES …………………………………………. 03

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT …………………………………………………….. 04

INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………... 06-09

a. Background of the Study …………………………………………….. 06
b. Statement of the Problem …………………………………………… 07
c. Significance of the Study …………………………………………….. 07
d. Scope and Limitations ……………………………………………….. 08
e. Definition of Terms …………………………………………………… 09

EXISTING POLICY AND LITERATURE ………………………………….. 10-12

ACTION PLAN ……………………………………………………………….. 13

a. Research Locale ……………………………………………………... 13
b. General Procedure …………………………………………………... 13
c. Disposal Treatment (if applicable) …………………………………. 25

REFERENCES ……………………………………………………………….. 14-21

APPENDICES ………………………………………………………………… 22
b. Documentations………………………………………………………. 22
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INTRODUCTION

A. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Plastic has long been regarded as a useful man-made substance. It is lightweight

and easily adaptable to the designer's specifications. Its adaptable qualities have made

it widely used. The amount of plastic consumed has gone up from 335 million tons to

348 million tons from 2016-2017. By 2030, this demand is anticipated to reach 485

million tons. Because many plastics are not biodegradable and can take between 100

and 1000 years to disintegrate, using them results in trash generation and

environmental contamination. Toxins released into the environment pose a threat to

groundwater quality, animal and human health, food chain contamination, and soil

fertility. Additionally, burning plastics outside releases carbon monoxide, a greenhouse

gas. Plastics can produce siltation and obstruct water flows if they are dumped in

waterways, increasing the risk of flooding. According to research on beaches, there

were between 4.8 and 12.7 million metric tons of plastic debris on coastlines in 192

countries in 2010. Because of this trash, which poses a threat to marine life, there have

been numerous calls to limit the use of plastic and alter consumer behavior.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a commonly used thermoplastic polymer that has a

high melting point and is resistant to a wide range of chemical substances. However, exposure

to certain acids and bases can have an impact on the melting and decomposition behavior of

HDPE. Acid-base solutions can have both physical and chemical effects on high-density

polyethylene (HDPE), especially when exposed to high temperatures.

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B. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study aims to know the effects of acid - base solution in terms off

it's melting and decomposition of high-density polyethylene.

Specifically, the study sought to answer the following research.

1. How does the behavior of HDPE change and what are the resulting

changes in physical and chemical properties?

2. What are the factors that influence the degradation of HDPE in

acid-base solutions?

3. What is the potential effect of HDPE in acid-base solutions on

environment and how this be assessed?

C. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The results of this study will provide more information and insights on the impact

of acid base solution in melting and decomposition of HDPE. It can contribute to

understanding the environmental implications of disposing of HDPE products that have

been exposed to acidic or basic solutions.

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We also provide information by understanding on how these solutions affect the

properties of HDPE, The researchers will help to design more effective and sustainable

methods of disposing of HDPE.

D. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of acid-base solutions

on the melting and decomposition of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The research

will be carried out in Zamboanga City. The study will include comprehensive

understanding in environment and industrial applications to investigate the effect of

various acid-base solutions on HDPE. The investigation will look at the effects of acid-

base solutions on HDPE and into the effects of other substances on HDPE. The

limitations of this study are that we only covered the understanding in the effects of

HDPE in environment and in industrial application

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E. DEFINITION OF TERMS

 ACID - Acid is any substance that in water solution tastes sour, changes

blue litmus paper to red, reacts with some metals to liberate hydrogen,

reacts with bases to form salts, and promotes chemical reactions.

 BASE - A substance that can accept hydrogen ions in water and can

neutralize an acid.

 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – A hydrocarbon polymer prepared

from ethylene/petroleum by a catalytic process.

 THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER- Are polymers that can be softened

through heating before being processed and then left to cool and harden.
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EXISTING POLICY AND LITERATURE

The researchers will help you to clarify and justify the focus of the planned research.

And they will show the context on this issue, giving credibility and authority to the work.

Mechanical Properties of Semicrystalline HDPE Polymers

HDPE shows a relatively high modulus of elasticity combined with high impact

toughness (Vasile and Seymour 1993) resulting form a two-phase morphology that is

composed by a hard crystalline and a soft amorphous phase. This two-phase

morphology is responsible for the viscoelastic mechanical properties, the stress–strain

behavior, the tensile strength at yield, and the post yield hardening.

The resistance of HDPE against slow crack growth is an important mechanical

quantity to have confidence in service lifetimes of, e.g., thermoplastic pipe systems.

Even at low stresses a small crack can grow and induce a brittle failure of a pipe. This

slow crack growth medium phenomenon is strongly related to the ESCR (environmental

stress crack resistance) property of the thermoplastic material.

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TABLE 1: HDPE AND LDPE PROPERTIES

PROPERTY LDPE HDPE

Chemical Structure More branching More linear, less branching

Flexibility Low density – 0.91-0.94 High density – 0.95-0.97

g/cm3 g/cm3

Heat Resistance A substantial decrease in Capable of resisting heat

density when kept through with temperatures more

temperatures beyond 20°C than 100°C

Flexibility Low crystallinity (50-60%), High crystallinity (>90%),

leading to more flexibility therefore, makes it tougher

and more rigid

Strength Increased impact strength High tensile strength and

in cold conditions specific strength

Transparency High, because of Low, due to high

amorphous condition crystallinity

Chemical Resistance Resistant to most alcohols, Outstanding resistance to

alkalis, and acids; low acids, alcohols, solvents,

resistance to oxidizing and alkalis; low resistance

agents and selected to hydrocarbons.

hydrocarbons

LDPE is more flexible and softer than HDPE. It is also translucent and has a

lower melting point of 115° C. However, compared to HDPE, it is more likely to rupture
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under stress. On the other hand, HDPE is more rigid and durable and offers better

chemical resistance. HDPE melting point is 135°C which is on the higher end, allowing it

to resist higher temperatures than LDPE. In addition, its crystalline structure provides it

with greater strength and opacity.

Differences in Molecular Structure

The molecular structure of HDPE is denser and more tightly packed, resulting in

a higher density material. The molecules of HDPE are tightly packed together, giving

the material its high strength and stiffness. This also results in a lower degree of

branching in the molecular chain, which contributes to the material’s high melting point

and stability.

LDPE, on the other hand, has a more loose and flexible molecular structure,

resulting in a lower density material. The molecules of LDPE are more widely spaced,

allowing for greater flexibility and ease of processing. This increased branching in the

molecular chain also leads to a lower melting point and greater resistance to stress

cracking.

METHODS
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A. RESEARCH LOCALE

This study was conducted at Zamboanga City.

Ayala, Zone 1 Calle San Pedro. Starting March 2023 to April 2023 specifically 1 ST year

college students of BS Environmental Engineering.

B. GENERAL PROCEDURE
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APPENDICES

A. DOCUMENTATION