Abstract
In this paper, we report a study on the use of a linear triblock copolymer based on styrene and ethylene/butylene (SEBS) and a polypropylene (PP)-based olefin block copolymer (OBC) for improving the impact strength of a recycled polypropylene (PP) from packaging waste. Talc was used as a reinforcing filler in order to prepare a material suitable for being used in the automotive sector. The composite mixtures were prepared by melt extrusion, and the samples were manufactured by injection molding. Impact strength was evaluated by Izod tests, and a morphological study of the produced fractures was performed. As a result, a composite with substantially improved impact properties was prepared, with a two-fold increase of the impact strength in the case of unnotched specimens, while only a limited positive effect was produced on notched specimens. Since talc-filled PP is a typical material used in the automotive sector, the obtained results demonstrate that post-consumer PP coming from the municipal waste collection of plastic packaging can be successfully used in car components with no compromise in terms of mechanical requirements.
Highlights
Polypropylene (PP)-based composites are commonly used in several automotive applications, typically related both to exterior and interior parts [1]
In this paper, we report a study on the use of a linear triblock copolymer based on styrene and ethylene/butylene (SEBS) and a polypropylene (PP)-based olefin block copolymer (OBC) for improving the impact strength of a recycled polypropylene (PP) from packaging waste
A composite with substantially improved impact properties was prepared, with a two-fold increase of the impact strength in the case of unnotched specimens, while only a limited positive effect was produced on notched specimens
Summary
Polypropylene (PP)-based composites are commonly used in several automotive applications, typically related both to exterior and interior parts [1]. Due to the required high mechanical properties, especially in terms of impact resistance, many components are manufactured just with virgin PP composites, while recycled PP is typically used only in a small amount of cases in which the technical target is low. The challenge is two-fold: finding new applications for materials based on recycled plastics from post-consumer packaging, and at the same time improving their performance to comply with the technical requirement related to those applications. Effective recycling of post-consumer plastic packaging coming from the municipal waste collection is difficult, since it is typically constituted by a variety of different polymers and additives (such as pigments and chemical stabilizers) [4,5,6]
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