We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessment of the Impact of Superficial Contamination and Thermo-Oxidative Degradation on the Properties of Post-Consumer Recycled Polypropylene
Summary
This study investigated how surface contamination and thermo-oxidative degradation during repeated use affect the mechanical and chemical properties of post-consumer recycled polypropylene, finding that these degradation processes significantly reduce material quality and pose challenges for achieving high-quality recycled plastic products.
Single-use plastics are a matter of convenience in everyday life, with the majority allocated to packaging production. However, it comes with a high environmental price as its mass recycling is challenging due to the heterogeneity of composition, contaminations of different kinds, and degradation caused by service and processing. This study aims to ascertain the impact of removing contaminants from post-consumer recycled polypropylene (rPP) on its degradation and properties by implementing a systematic approach for decontamination by washing. Four lots of recycled plastics with different degrees of contamination were evaluated via Fourier transform infrared, melt flow indexer, and differential scanning calorimetry and tested for tensile strength. Degradation of the rPP was manifested by the deterioration in ductility, resulting in 14.58% elongation at break (unwashed rPP) compared with 191.41% (virgin PP)) and a significant reduction in oxidation induction time. In the unwashed rPP sample, a wave intensity peak at 1730 cm-1, assigned to the saturated C = 0 stretch of the carbonyl functional group, was detected. This peak was gradually disappearing with an increase in the cleaning efficiency of rPP, highlighting the role of contaminants as degradation catalysts. The cold-washing method showed similar processing and mechanical performance improvement results compared with the other washing methods, while being more environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Polypropylene Contamination in Post-Consumer Polyolefin Waste: Characterisation, Consequences and Compatibilisation
Researchers characterized polypropylene contamination in post-consumer polyolefin plastic waste, finding that heterogeneous contaminants significantly compromise recycled material properties and examined compatibilisation strategies to improve recycling outcomes.
Morpho-structural and thermo-mechanical characterization of recycled polypropylene and polystyrene from mixed post-consumer plastic waste
Researchers characterized recycled polypropylene and polystyrene recovered from mixed post-consumer plastic waste, assessing their morphological, structural, and thermo-mechanical properties to evaluate suitability for reuse in manufacturing.
Post-Industrial Recycled Polypropylene for Automotive Application: Mechanical Properties After Thermal Ageing
Researchers tested how thermal aging affects the mechanical properties of recycled polypropylene compounds used in automotive parts. Post-industrial recycled material with varying talc filler concentrations maintained comparable performance to virgin material in many cases. The study suggests that recycled polypropylene can serve as a viable, more sustainable alternative in automotive applications, helping reduce plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Recycling of Polypropylene Recovered from a Composting Plant: Mechanical Behavior of Compounds with Virgin Plastic
Not directly relevant to microplastics — this paper investigates mechanical recycling of polypropylene recovered from a composting plant's waste stream, focusing on material properties after reprocessing.
Degradation of polypropylene : proportion of microplastics formed and assessment of their density.
Researchers quantified the proportion of microplastics generated during UV-driven degradation of polypropylene and assessed changes in chemical composition caused by photooxidation. The study found that UV exposure progressively fragments polypropylene and alters its surface chemistry, affecting subsequent environmental behavior and toxicity.