Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely used polymer by volume, with the largest sector being film applications (such as food packaging or industrial films). However, challenges exist for mechanical recycling and reuse of PE post-consumer resin (PCR) back into film applications, due to impurities from the waste stream and recycling processes.<br/><br/>Commercial PE PCR streams contain a wide variety of contaminants, making it challenging to deconvolute the effects of specific contaminants on film properties. Therefore, this study doses individual contaminants to virgin PE at concentration ranges found in commercial PCR, and examines the resultant effects on blown film optical and mechanical properties such as instrumented dart impact resistance and defect count. Key findings include solid fibers and particles are more detrimental than thermoplastic contaminants, providing specific targets for future sorting, cleaning, and compatibilization efforts.

Model PCR study to understand the effect of contaminants on film properties

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.