Compatibilization of PET-PE blends for the recycling of multilayer packaging foils

The compatibilization of a virgin polyethylene terephthalate/polyethylene (PET/PE) blend and a recycled multilayered post-industrial food tray of similar composition are investigated. The compatibilizers of focus are a propylene ethylene rubber (PER) and a styrene ethylene / butylene styrene tribloc...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Delva, Laurens, Deceur, Cédric, Van Damme, Nicolas, Ragaert, Kim
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Anhydrides
Block copolymers
Compatibility
Compatibilizers
Composition
Elongation
Ethylene
Foils
Food
Graft copolymers
Impact strength
Maleic anhydride
Mechanical properties
Mixtures
Morphology
Multilayers
Polyethylene terephthalate
Propylene
Rubber
Stiffness
Styrenes
Tensile properties
Tensile strength
Trays
Waste management
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The compatibilization of a virgin polyethylene terephthalate/polyethylene (PET/PE) blend and a recycled multilayered post-industrial food tray of similar composition are investigated. The compatibilizers of focus are a propylene ethylene rubber (PER) and a styrene ethylene / butylene styrene triblock copolymer grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MA). This work examines the effect of these compatibilizers on both the mechanical properties (impact and tensile properties) and morphology of the virgin blends and verifies whether these effects are transferable to an actual waste stream of post-industrial food trays with comparable composition. Regarding the virgin blends, it was concluded that both compatibilizers increase the impact strength and elongation at break of the material, wherein PER increases the impact strength more effectively than SEBS-g-MA. Moreover, PER succeeds in maintaining both tensile strength and stiffness of the blends. Also, the morphology of the PER blends shows clear indication of rubber toughening. The results of the virgin blends are to a certain extent transferable to an actual waste stream consisting of post-industrial food trays with comparable composition. PER shows to be the most promising candidate for increasing toughness while maintaining stiffness and tensile strength.
ISSN:0094-243X
1551-7616
DOI:10.1063/1.5084815