We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Endothermic–Exothermic Hybrid Foaming of Recycled PET Blends
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a hybrid endothermic-exothermic foaming process for recycled PET blends, producing lightweight foam materials from post-consumer plastic with controlled cell structure, demonstrating a route to add value to recycled PET while reducing the environmental burden of its long environmental persistence.
Over the past decades, the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has seen significant growth, particularly in the packaging industry. However, its long decomposition time poses serious environmental challenges. The aim of this research was to develop a process for the foaming of large quantities of recycled PET (rPET) using endothermic and exothermic foaming agents. Various formulations with different ratios of endothermic and exothermic foaming agents were prepared, as well as their mixtures. The study found that the endothermic–exothermic hybrid foaming process resulted in a finer cell-size distribution and enhanced mechanical properties, making the foams highly suitable for widespread applications. The results support the potential use of exothermic foaming agents as nucleating agents in a hybrid foaming system. In particular, the ratio of 3% endothermic and 1% exothermic foaming agents proved optimal in terms of achieving a balance between porosity and mechanical strength, thereby enabling broad industrial applicability.
More Papers Like This
PET foaming: development of a new class of rheological additives for improved processability
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper describes development of rheological additives to improve PET foaming for lightweight packaging, as an alternative to hard-to-recycle foamed polystyrene. Replacing polystyrene foam with more recyclable materials is important for reducing ocean microplastic pollution from packaging waste.
Automotive Application of Chemically Foamed rPET
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers produced injection-molded automotive components from foamed recycled PET using a combination of endothermic and exothermic blowing agents and flame retardants, finding that the foamed rPET parts met key automotive mechanical and fire-safety requirements while reducing material weight and using recycled feedstock.
Synergistic Effect of Dual Additive System on Molecular Structure and Foaming Properties of Recycled PET
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how dual chain extenders (PMDA and Joncryl ADR4468) improve the melt strength and foamability of recycled PET bottle flakes. The optimized formulation produced uniform low-density foam cells comparable to virgin PET, demonstrating a viable path for upgrading mechanically recycled PET into high-value foam products.
Polyolefins and Polyethylene Terephthalate Package Wastes: Recycling and Use in Composites
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines recycling strategies for polyolefins and polyethylene terephthalate — two of the most prevalent plastic packaging materials — covering mechanical and chemical recycling methods, how recycling affects material properties, and opportunities to improve recycled material performance for use in composites and other applications.
Lightweight carbon foam obtained from post-use polyethylene terephthalate bottles, properties, and potential applications
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers synthesized lightweight carbon foam from post-consumer PET plastic bottles via a controlled carbonization process, characterizing the foam's physical and chemical properties and exploring its potential as a value-added material from plastic waste recycling.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.