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Recycling
Various topics related to sustainability in plastics, including bio-related, environmental issues, green, recycling, renewal, re-use and sustainability.
DEVELOPMENT OF MODIFIED POLYLACTIDE (PLA)
Polylactide (PLA) and other bio-based plastics have been attracting much attention for environment problems. In this report, modified PLA resin have been developed and based on “Technology of Nano-Modification for Polymer”, such as control of softening and of crystallization in nano size. Two types of modified PLA of which one is clear and soft PLA for extrusion molding and another one is high moldability PLA for injection molding have been developed. These modified PLA have been applied as alternative plastics of PP and ABS to stationery, packaging, convenience goods, electrical appliance and so on. Performances and technologies will be presented.
Development of novel Wood Plastic Composites (WPC) using as natural filler wood from the recycling of leisure sailing ships
Plastic Wood Composites, or commonly known as WPC, are a novel and interesting alternative to the usage of wood in certain applications, improving the properties of the final products thanks to the polymers intrinsic properties. However, compatibilization between the polymer matrix and the wood fibers or particles is a key factor that must be taken into consideration. Hydrophilic fibers are not compatible with hydrophobic polymer matrices, such as polyethylene or polypropylene (the main used polymers due to their processing temperatures and the low degradation temperature wood possess).
The present research aimed to develop WPC using as the natural fiber recycled wood obtained from out-of-use leisure sailing ships. The objectives of the research presented and added new challenges on the development of such natural composites, posed by the state of the wood to be used, usually contaminated with salt, rests of minerals and rests of organic matter, so an excellent decontaminating process was a must. Once the wood conditioning processes were completed, a conventional extrusion process was carried out to obtain the WPC. The polymers used as polymer matrix were Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Polypropylene (PP). Four different concentrations of wood fibers were used (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%) in order to determine their properties according to the fiber concentration. Also, two different compatibilizers for wood and polymers were used to check their behavior, as well as composites without compatibilizers were obtained.
Finally, characterization techniques, including SEM microscopy, mechanical and impact properties and aging tests were carried out for all the developed WPC composites. Results indicate which were the best wood concentration on the composites as well as the best compatibilizer and its concentration on the final composite.
DEVELOPMENT OF STARCH BIOBASED AND BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS
FOR THEIR USE IN TRAYS FOR FOOD-PACKAGING
This research work develops new methods to
produce biodegradable starch-based trays for the
purpose of replacing expanded polystyrene in the food
packaging market. The starch based biopolymers
present several drawbacks like poor mechanical
properties and very high density. In order to overcome
these drawbacks two research lines have been set up:
blending thermoplastic starch with biobased
reinforcements from agricultural wastes like barley
straw and grape wastes, and testing the foamability of
these materials with a Microwave-foaming method.
Recycle of Internal and External streams of Polyetherimide Resin
One of the main advantages of polyetherimide (PEI) resin
(Ultem* PEI) is its high thermal stability, making it an
excellent candidate for using internal industrial recycle,
external industrial recycle (sprues, runners, parts) and
post-consumer recycle as raw material streams. A 30%
glass fibre filled grade has been developed using up to
65% of non-virgin material. Mechanical properties were
maintained even at high % usage of recycle.
*(Trademark of Sabic Innovative Plastics IP B.V.)
EFFECT OF PHYSICAL AGING ON ENTHALPY RELAXATION AND
EMBRITTLEMENT OF ELASTOMER THERMOPLASTIC BIODEGRADABLE
POLY (L-LACTIDE/ ε-CAPROLACTONE)
In the design of new polymeric materials the longterm
stability and durability are matters of considerable
importance. It is known that during physical aging volume
contraction and densification of polymers occur and
therefore physical properties such as mechanical or
crystallization behavior of amorphous polymers may be
affected. In this work the impact that physical aging has on
two biodegradable poly(L-lactide/ε-caprolactone) (PLCL)
copolymers differing on their randomness character was
studied. Their thermal behavior has been evaluated by
specific aging strategies using Differential Scanning
Calorimetry (DSC).
SILICONE MODIFIED BIOBASED COATINGS FROM SOYBEAN OIL
FOR WATER RESISTANT PAPERS
The silylation chemistry of biobased vegetable oils using alkoxy silanes has been studied and patented [1]. The objective of this work was to evaluate the application of the newly developed silylated soyabean oil formulation as a water-proof coating on paper. Paper coated with the silylated oil was tested for water resistance by measuring Cobb test. Results showed upto 95% improvement in water-proofing compared to an uncoated, unmodified paper.
THE EFFECT OF COMPOSITION AND PROCESSING PARAMETERS
ON THE MORPHOLOGY AND PROPERTIES
OF PC/ABS/ORGANOCLAY NANOCOMPOSITES
In this study | blends based on poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) were prepared and studied | in an attempt to explore the performance of mixtures deriving from recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The modification of ABS and ABS/PC blends via the incorporation of reinforcing fillers | such as organic modified montmorillonite nanoparticles (OMMT) | was also explored and its effect on the structure and properties was evaluated.
TRENDS AND NEEDS IN AUTOMOTIVE MATCHED
BY ECO+ SOLUTIONS FROM DSM
An overview is given of the various drivers, needs
and trends in the automotive industry and how these are
matched by various new plastic solutions, which in the
end all significantly increase the sustainability of various
car components and of the complete cars in total.
Lexan* Specialties Copolymers - Performance Attributes for Automotive Applications
Lexan* copolymers offer new performance attributes in comparison to conventional polycarbonates by combining building blocks from different monomeric species. In doing so the application space of polycarbonates are expanded to include e.g. weatherability and scratch performance. By improving these attributes on an intrinsic level unique value propositions can be realized which include non-hardcoat or paint-out solutions. This can lead to cost-out opportunities and environmentally friendlier solutions. To emphasize application possibilities in the automotive industry, attributes are considered with regards to scratch, chemical and UV resistance for both Lexan* DMX and SLX resins.
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF METALLOCENE POLYETHYLENE IN HEAVY
DUTY SACKS
The substitution of plastic for more traditional
materials stems from its reliability and affordability.
However, with the heightened awareness on
sustainability, plastic from fossil sources are sometimes
perceived to adversely impact the environment. In an
effort to address this issue, a detailed life cycle
assessment of heavy duty sacks made from metallocene
polyethylene (mPE) has been completed. The sacks are
used in packaging powdered products for the
construction industry. The results show that these sacks
have several positive attributes and in many instances,
may be a preferred alternative from a sustainability
perspective. In fact, in manufacturing, transportation
and handling mPE sacks are shown to consume
significantly less energy and emit less greenhouse gas
than paper-based alternatives. Additional environmental
benefits will be discussed.
Modeling Container Shelf Life & Top Load Performance
The use of performance modeling is becoming
more and more critical to the packaging industry.
This trend is driven both by lightweighting efforts
and the need to shorten package development
times. The primary driver for reducing the amount
of material used in packaging is cost reduction,
with environmental positioning an ancillary
benefit. However, it is critical to not compromise
the shelf life or creep performance of the package,
particularly in regions of the world with
temperature extremes.
This paper will explain key elements necessary
for precise modeling of package shelf-life
performance. The mathematical models
considered are M-RULE® Container Performance
Model and Virtual Prototyping™ Software. Some
examples of how computer modeling has been
applied to optimize package performance will be
discussed.
NEW STRUCTURAL BIOCOMPOSITES
FOR CAR APPLICATIONS
Recently advances in research and manufacturing techniques of biocomposites have allowed the car manufactures to use bio-composite in various applications. Biocomposites are fast emerging as viable alternative to traditional materials due to their low cost, lightweight, good mechanical performance and biodegradable properties. ECOSHELL project (Development of new light high-performance environmentally benign composites made of bio-materials and bio-resins for electric car application) proposes to achieve a full bio-composite made of high performance natural resins matrices, resulting in the use of totally natural, environment friendly composites, with enhanced strength and bio-degradability characteristics designed for the electric car.
OPTIMUM FLOURPLAST: CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE BIOPLASTIC INDUSTRY. PROCESS STRUCTURE PROPERTY RELATIONSHIPS OF A NOVEL BIOPLASTIC POLYMER COMPOUNDING SYSTEM
This paper describes an outline of the structural features (using SEM, WAXS and other advances techniques) and various properties of products containing compatibilised thermoplastic flour (i.e. Optimum FlourPlast). Grain or cereal flour or even purified starches are them self not thermoplastic materials [1]. The thermoplastic flour (TPF) is made from an unique combination of natural based grain (by-) products and a novel compatibilising polymer system making it a thermoplastic material, which can be processed on standard plastic processing machines. The TPF is as such shown to be highly compatible with natural or petrochemical based biodegradable aliphatic (co-) polyesters and various polyolefins such as polypropylene. In such combinations it is shown that it improves processing conditions and enhances the properties of the end formulation (compounds). By making different combinations of the various grades of the TPF (i.e. building block system of precompounds) with other polymers it will be shown that it is possible to obtain a range of products with different properties and good functionality. This made it possible to process the components into products suitable for various applications such as injection molding, extrusion and thermoforming, and film blowing and casting.
PRELIMINARY FAILURE EXAMINATION OF A TOOL USED IN TYRE WASTE
RECYCLING - CASE STUDY
Tyres consist of synthetic rubber | metals and linen.
Tyre waste decomposes after hundreds of years | and its
presence is detrimental for the environment. Standing
water | trapped into tires may be a permanent pollution
source | while tyre waste next to a forest increases the
possibility of fire. European legislation imposes the
recycling of tyre waste | which includes the following
three steps: shredding in strips | cutting strips in small
pieces | and powder production from the pieces. At the
last stage magnets remove the metallic pieces | while
centrifugal screens remove the linen. Metals are sold to
the steel industry as scrap | linen is used in limekiln as a
combustion material and the rubber flakes are used in
numerous applications (e.g. road surface construction,
concrete additives | mouse pads | etc.).
PVC – Moving Up to the Next Level
The papers from the most recent IOM3
conference, PVC 2011, are used as the basis
for this paper.
The PVC market is reviewed on the basis
of Europe’s environmental challenges with
management options being reshaped by global
megatrends.
The cost competitiveness of PVC
products, energy saving from using PVC
products and increasing recognition of our
sustainable development progress can only
serve our industry well into the future.
The Voluntary Commitments of the past
ten years (Vinyl 2010) and the next ten years
(VinylPlus) are reviewed.
Examples of educational initiatives in the
UK to improve perceptions are also
highlighted.
Renewable Based High Performance TPU
The company Merquinsa SL | located in
Barcelona | Spain | produces classical
polyurethane as well as new (ECO)
polyurethane based on several raw materials
from renewable sources. This particular study
was based on biogenic oil as primary renewable
source for TPU.
A new family of thermoplastic
polyurethanes (TPU) is presented. This new
TPU series has application for polyurethane
adhesives | polyurethane for extrusion | and
injection molding markets. A full range of
vegetable plant-based sources derived from
bifunctional polyols has been developed. The
reaction of these polyols in the TPU
formulation allows new TPU with a renewable
content ranging from 30% to 90% by weight.
Compared to the standard petrochemical-based
grades | the new ‘green-TPU’ shows better
hydrolytic resistance | and maintain equivalent
mechanical properties like first-class
thermoplastic polyurethanes. Merquinsa will
present the latest results for its ECO-TPU
range | based on different renewable raw
materials.
Surface Modification Techniques for
Optimizing Adhesion to Automotive
Plastics
Automotive plastics with a low polarity, such as PE,
PP, TPO, POM, PUR and PTFE typically require
surface treatment when decoration is required.
Metallic surfaces may also require cleaning to
remove low molecular weight organic materials
prior to decoration. Once the above-mentioned
interior and exterior grades of substrate surfaces are
cleaned and activated, printing, gluing and painting
are possible without the use of adhesion-promoting
primers. This paper describes the latest innovations
in three-dimensional surface treating technology for
plastics finishing which address the need to advance
adhesion properties, increase product quality, and
achieve environmental objectives within the
automotive industry. These innovations include
advanced thermal and non-thermal discharge
treatment processes for raising the polarity of
surfaces to be painted, bonded, decorated,
laminated, printed, or to have tape applied.
SYNTHESIS OF ELASTOMERIC PHENOLIC RESINS WITH
IMPROVED TOUGHNESS AND FLEXIBILITY
Novel phenolic resins (PF) with improved fracture
toughness and flexibility properties were synthesised and
evaluated. A first modification consisted in the
copolymerization of Phenol with a natural renewable
component (Cardanol) during the synthesis of PF resins
(CPF). An increases in the content of Cardanol resulted
in a proportional increases in the flexural strength and in
the fracture toughness together with a decreases in the
flexural modulus of the cured CPF/PF blended resins.
Further increased plasticizing and toughening effect was
observed by the blending of the CPF/PF resins with propylene glycol (PG).
UPGRADING PERFORMANCE OF RECYCLED POLYAMIDE WITH ZEMAC®
Polyamides are widely used in many applications. There is a vast amount of recycled polyamide coming from the carpet and textile and other industries. Due to degradation and loss of viscosity, this recycled polyamide has reduced performance and limited its use. The unique chemistry of alternating copolymers of ethylene and maleic anhydride provide several advantages for upgrading recycled polyamide. This paper discusses the results obtained with compounding prime grade polyamide as well as recycled polyamide with the addition of small quantities of this copolymer and specific property improvements for applications in injection molded compounds.
Bioplastic nano-reinforcement extracted from phormium leaf fibers
Cellulose nanofibers from a native New Zealand plant are extracted for use as fillers for biodegradable polymers.
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Society of Plastics Engineers
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