Title

RECYCLING OF THERMOPLASTICS: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH

RECYCLING OF THERMOPLASTICS: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH

Authorship

VILLOUTREIX, G.; DEMARQUETTE, N.; VILLOUTREIX, J.; ACETARIN, J.D.; HADDOUT, A.

VILLOUTREIX, G.

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DEMARQUETTE, N.

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VILLOUTREIX, J.

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ACETARIN, J.D.

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HADDOUT, A.

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DOI

10.5151/2594-5327-C00092-1448-1478

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Abstract

In this review paper it is described briefly the most common methods of polymer recycling as well as an alternative approach to recycle polymers. The common methods, i.e. thermal, chemical and mechanical recycling are shown in general to be not economical if there are no subsidies from the government. A possible alternative for polymer recycling is the possibility of using the raw material found in the scrap to generate a polymer blend. The properties of this material depends on the polymer forming the blend as well as their rheological and morphological properties. The compatibility of the polymers forming the blends is one of the most important parameters affecting the final quality of the blend. The operating conditions of the processing of the blend (such as temperature, shear rate and pressure) can also affect the performance of the product. It has been verified by different researchers that a recycled polymer has in general worse mechanical properties than a virgin material. In the case of producing a blend from recycled polymers this can be improved by the addition of compatibilizers which enhance the miscibility between the components of the blend.

In this review paper it is described briefly the most common methods of polymer recycling as well as an alternative approach to recycle polymers. The common methods, i.e. thermal, chemical and mechanical recycling are shown in general to be not economical if there are no subsidies from the government. A possible alternative for polymer recycling is the possibility of using the raw material found in the scrap to generate a polymer blend. The properties of this material depends on the polymer forming the blend as well as their rheological and morphological properties. The compatibility of the polymers forming the blends is one of the most important parameters affecting the final quality of the blend. The operating conditions of the processing of the blend (such as temperature, shear rate and pressure) can also affect the performance of the product. It has been verified by different researchers that a recycled polymer has in general worse mechanical properties than a virgin material. In the case of producing a blend from recycled polymers this can be improved by the addition of compatibilizers which enhance the miscibility between the components of the blend.

Keywords

Recycling of materials, Thermoplastics, Polymer blends

Recycling of materials, Thermoplastics, Polymer blends