Abstract
The thermal behavior of a mixture of recycled polyolefins (PE/PP mix), variously colored recycled polyolefins, recycled polyolefin blends and recycled polyolefin/PET blends was analyzed by thermogravimetry. Atmospheres of nitrogen and synthetic air were used to compare the effects of inert and oxidative medium. Four characteristic temperatures, T1, T2, T3 and T4, related to oxidative processes and atmospheric conditions, were defined. Relationships between T1, T2, T3 and T4 and comparing pigmented and transparent material allow assessing the effect of different pigments on volatilization, oxidation and onset temperatures of decomposition processes. These analyses provide preliminary parameters for selecting acceptable processing temperature conditions of recycled household and engineering plastics, and provide a few criteria to select colored recycled polyolefins.
Highlights
Polyolefins and polyesters are two of the most widely consumed classes of plastics available in large amounts from post-consumer wastes
A useful option in mechanical recycling is the blending of both recycled polyolefins and PET to produce a multi-phase polymer system with an acceptable balance of processability and good mechanical properties[2,3]
The aim of this study is to test a technique that enables the effects of different pigments on volatilization, oxidation and decomposition onset temperatures to be assessed within an acceptable range of plastic processing temperatures, and if possible to provide a number of criteria for selecting recyclable colored polyolefins
Summary
Polyolefins and polyesters are two of the most widely consumed classes of plastics available in large amounts from post-consumer wastes Polyolefins, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) are mainly used in pipes, films, blown bottles, and other packaging. Polyesters, such as poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are widely used in carbonated soft drink bottles, textile fibers and films[1,2,3]. Thermo-oxidative degradation involves formation of alkyl radicals that combine with oxygen to produce hydroperoxides, alkoxy and peroxy radicals. Recombination of these radicals produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids[4]
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