Effect of high shear rate on the mechanical properties of polyethylene, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polystyrene and polypropylene waste blend

Abstract

The effect of high shear rate on the mechanical properties of polyethylene (PE), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP) waste blend was investigated. The process was carried out at a temperature of 120°C using a counter-rotating twin-screw extruder. A constant screw speed of 250 rpm and a constant weight ratio of the PE/ PET/PS/PP components of 1:1:1:1 were used. The preliminary research showed that the high shear rate had no effect on the impact strength. However, the significant improvement in the flexural properties was observed as compared to those obtained at a lower screw speed of 80--120 rpm.