Abstract
In this chapter, tensile properties of different grades of post-consumer recycled (PCR) polycarbonate (PC) plastics have been compared with conventional or virgin PC before and after different aging conditions. 50 and 75% recycled PCs showed comparable yield strength (∼57 MPa), maximum tensile strength (∼70 MPa) and maximum strain (∼190–200%) before aging, when compared to virgin PC of same melt flow rate (MFR of ∼10 g/10 min). From the fractography analysis (optical and scanning electron microscopy) of the both virgin and 50% recycled PC, it is evident that the fracture morphologies are very similar and they are indicative of ductile failure. It is observed that with the presence of temperature and humidity (60°C 90% RH) aging, tensile strength starts to drop over time but most importantly both 50% and 75% PCR grades showed similar aging behavior compared to virgin PC (10–13% strength degradation after 500 hours of aging). Reliability modelling showed comparable B10, Weibull Alpha and Weibull Beta values between Virgin PC and PCR grades after different aging conditions. Fractography analysis of fresh and aged 75% PCR also showed ductile features.
Highlights
Plastics are a versatile class of materials which can be found in products ranging from single-use packaging to components used in automotive and durable goods
Breaking strengths of 50 and 75% Post-consumer recycled (PCR) grades were compared with conventional PC
When we take these data into account and model the reliability of destructive degradation (Figure 7(c)), we found a comparable B10 value between virgin PC and two grades of PCR PC after thermal cycling aging
Summary
Plastics are a versatile class of materials which can be found in products ranging from single-use packaging to components used in automotive and durable goods. Plastics are identified as an environmental pollutant due to poor recycling rates and poor end-of-life waste management [1, 2]. This has led to many organizations, such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, to promote a circular economy for plastic [3]. The circular economy for plastic is based on three tenets: reducing the use of plastics, reusing a product multiple times and recycling at end of life. The mechanical properties can be defined by testing specimens in compliance with ASTM [5, 6] or ISO [7] testing standards. The advantages of mechanical property testing following ASTM or ISO testing standards are
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