Additives for recycling of polyolefins
Plastics that need to meet stringent requirements require support which can be gained in the form of special high performance additives which include heat, processing, and light stabilizers, as well as processing aids and modifiers which are available for technical plastics, with a focus on recycling polyolefins. These additives can be used in injection molding, extrusion, packaging, and fiber industries as they ensure efficient processing while improving the lifespan of plastic parts and offering high quality at cost-effective prices. They are available as individual products or combination products (One-Packs), which are pre-mixed compounds tailored to specific solutions and applications. One-Packs come in powder, compactate, or master batch forms, helping to reduce additive raw material usage by almost half.
In today's competitive business environment, there is a strong emphasis on cost reduction and speeding up the introduction of new models. The industry is also focused on improving the environmental impact of its products, meeting consumer demands for higher safety standards, greater comfort, and improved fuel efficiency with the release of advanced models.
Stabilizers for Recycling of Polypropylenes
I. The Recycling Stabilizer for Polypropylenes is a cutting-edge stabilizer package specifically designed for the upcycling of post-industrial and post-consumer polypropylene waste streams. It is made with partially renewable raw materials and contains a blend of antioxidants and co-stabilizers. This product is available in a low-dust compacted granular form, making it convenient to handle and accurately dose. The unique chemical system of this high-quality recyclate offers a one-pack solution that improves the retention of mechanical properties during long-term heat aging and enhances process stability. It also aids in the dispersion and neutralization of waste battery case acids. The recommended addition level can be adjusted to optimize performance, with a suggested range of 0.2-1.2%. The best way to incorporate it into the polymer melt is through compounding on twin-screw extrusion machines. This innovative chemical system results in superior quality recyclates, leading to prolonged retention of mechanical strength and improved process stability.
II. The powder form mixture contains copper complexes, synergists, nucleating agents, and lubricants that act as both anti-hydrolysis and anti-oxidizing agents. It offers long-term stabilization against mechanical property loss up to 180°C, effective processing stabilization to prevent polymer degradation, and protection against hydrolysis and embrittlement from hot glycol mixtures. It also provides high extraction resistance against various substances, maintains surface gloss, and is compatible with polyamides. The recommended dosage is 0.5-2%. Additionally, it serves as a recycling stabilizer for polypropylene with high levels of battery acids. This chemical system enhances mechanical properties retention, neutralizes battery acid content, and improves process stability to achieve higher quality recyclate.
Stabilizers for Recycling of LLDPE
I. A phosphonate processing stabilizer and synergist is used to protect polymers from degradation during processing and extend their lifespan. It also prevents yellowing in outdoor conditions and has low volatility. This stabilizer is effective at high processing temperatures and can help regenerate fiber waste materials. It can also be used to prevent discoloration and degradation, and act as a co-stabilizer to antioxidants. It can be processed through extrusion, dry-blending, and injection molding, with a recommended dosage level of 0.1-0.3%. This chemical system can improve the quality of recyclates by enhancing the initial mechanical strength of extruded PE films and increasing process stability.
Compatibilizers for Recycling of Polyolefins
I. Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene blend is used as a compatibilizer in post-consumer plastic recycling to homogenize polar impurities like ethylene vinyl alcohol (EvOH), polyamide (PA), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in polyolefin streams. This product can be easily added to standard polyethylene extrusion lines without any special precautions, providing excellent processability and thermal stability. It maintains the physical properties of polyolefins, including chemical and heat resistance, clarity, dimensional stability, mechanical strength, and recyclability. By preventing swelling and mechanical issues caused by polar polymer impurities, it restores the weldability of the final compound, especially when polypropylene (PP) is present in a polyethylene (PE) flow.
Maleic anhydride grafted polyolefins help compatibilize different polymers to:
- Optimize mechanical and surface properties
- Improve processing and mechanical film performance
- Homogenize polar polymer contamination
Compatibilization of PE films:
- Preserves weldability
- Does not soften the material
- Increases stiffness
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Author
Dr. Muralisrinivasan Natamai Subramanian
Trainer, Polymerupdate Academy
