Utilization of Multilayered Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)-Based Film Packaging Waste Using Reactive Compatibilizers and Impact Modifier

Piotr Szymczak (), Damian Dziadowiec, Adam Piasecki, Marek Szostak and Jacek Andrzejewski ()
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Piotr Szymczak: Institute of Materials Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3 Street, 61-138 Poznan, Poland
Damian Dziadowiec: Institute of Materials Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3 Street, 61-138 Poznan, Poland
Adam Piasecki: Institute of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Materials Engineering and Technical Physics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3 Street, 61-138 Poznan, Poland
Marek Szostak: Institute of Materials Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3 Street, 61-138 Poznan, Poland
Jacek Andrzejewski: Institute of Materials Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3 Street, 61-138 Poznan, Poland

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 20, 1-18

Abstract: This research aimed to evaluate the material properties of reactive extrusion-modified blends containing PET multilayered foil waste. Three types of PET-based multilayer foil waste were used as the compound during the reprocessing of standard bottle-grade PET. Flakes used for this purpose were made from laminated foils: (A) PET/PE, (B) PET/EVOH/PE, and PET/PE/met. All types of the prepared materials were compounded with 30% of the waste foil flakes. Additionally, the blend was modified with an epoxy-based chain extender and polyolefin-based impact modifier. The prepared blends were processed using two methods; initially, the materials were prepared by injection molding, while cast-film samples were also prepared. All samples were subjected to full characterization using mechanical testing methods, thermal analysis, and structural observations. The study shows that the addition of multilayered foil waste is leading to significant deterioration of PET-based material properties. While, in most cases, the use of a chain extender led to some improvement in mechanical characteristics, the impact modifier addition strongly influenced most of the properties. It was also observed that the reactive extrusion procedure led to melt strength improvement, which greatly facilitates the film production process. Due to the limited possibility of separating the film components, the developed method of foil recycling might be useful for the utilization of multilayered packaging.

Keywords: polyethylene terephthalate (PET); recycling; post-consumer recycled (PCR); multilayer foil; reactive compatibilizers; impact modifier (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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