Impact of the proportion between virgin and recycled polyethylene terephthalate ( rPET ) on induced microstructure and mechanical stiffness

Abstract The extensive use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the food packaging industry, particularly for bottle production, has led to significant visible pollution, negatively impacting the perception of plastic packaging. To address this issue, our study focuses on the potential of recycled...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymer engineering and science 2024-12
Main Authors: Nguyen, Thanh‐tung, Luo, Yun‐mei, Chevalier, Luc, Jacquet, Benoit
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Engineering Sciences
Mechanics
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Abstract The extensive use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the food packaging industry, particularly for bottle production, has led to significant visible pollution, negatively impacting the perception of plastic packaging. To address this issue, our study focuses on the potential of recycled PET (rPET) in the blow molding industry. The recycling process affects the mechanical stiffness of PET compared to its virgin form. Digital image correlation (DIC) and biaxial tensile tests are used to identify the mechanical stiffness of bottles produced with different rPET ratios. Additionally, thanks to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small‐angle x‐ray scattering (SAXS) measurements, the microstructural changes are investigated. Relations between mechanical properties and the induced microstructures of rPET are examined. The impact of the mass fraction of rPET on the rigidity of the bottles is discussed. The results highlight the potential for integrating rPET into industrial applications. Highlights The paper studies the relationship between recycling rate of PET and induced properties DSC and SAXS measures are used to model final PET microstructure Two‐step homogenization method ensures accurate modulus prediction Biaxial tensile tests conducted on bottles to evaluate elasticity Recycled PET MOPET improves rigidity compared to virgin PET
ISSN:0032-3888
1548-2634
DOI:10.1002/pen.27044