Choi, Sungwoong Jang, Seongeun Do, Garam Lee, Patrick C. Choi, Duyoung 2026-02-03T06:30:40Z 2026-02-03T06:30:40Z 2026-02-02 2026-01 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/154124 This study evaluated the effects of maleic anhydride (MA) coupling agent on the mechanical and thermal properties and long-term stability of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics. The addition of MA coupling agent increased the tensile strength by 32.12%, enhancing the mechanical durability of the recycled plastic. Furthermore, the melt index (MI) increased by 366.23%, significantly improving processability. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed a significant improvement in thermal stability, and a lifetime prediction model estimated an extension of the material’s life by 532.66% at 200 °C. These results demonstrate that MA coupling agent effectively suppresses long-term degradation at high temperatures. Therefore, MA coupling agents can simultaneously improve mechanical properties and recyclability and offer a potent solution for creating sustainable plastics within a circular economy. English Nature Publishing Group Optimizing maleic anhydride content to enhance mechanical performance and thermal stability of recycled polyolefin blends Article 10.1038/s41598-025-30883-9 1 Scientific Reports, v.16, no.1 Scientific Reports 16 1 Y scie scopus 001658031500003 2-s2.0-105027197386 Multidisciplinary Sciences Science & Technology - Other Topics Article COMPATIBILIZATION FLOUR GMA Immiscible polymer blends Maleic anhydride Lifetime Mechanical properties Activation energy Post-consumer recycled plastics