The Novel Application of Asphalt in Cross-Linked Polyethylene Composite

Abstract The cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cables are widely used as an important basic material for power transportation. However, the cross-linked network structure caused challenge in the recycling of waste XLPE, which usually be treated by incineration and landfilling. In this research, XLPE was de-crosslinked via solid-state shear milling (S3M) and the asphalt was used as plasticizer during the thermoplastic processing. To deeply understand the influence of asphalt on the matrix, the compatibility, dispersion, and rheological properties of composites were characterized. Due to the good compatibility between de-crosslinked XLPE and asphalt, the viscosity of the composites decreased significantly. Some sea-island structure also formed in composites, which increased the toughness of the composites and the elongation at break reach as high as 322%. The use of asphalt to achieve the processing performance of de-crosslinked XLPE powder was highly effective and composites can be processed by ordinary polymer processing equipment. Furthermore, the prepared composites show potential application in the field of waterproofing which could recycle of waste XLPE cables in large-scale.