Recycling of plastics from packaging

Abstract

Plastic waste coming from the separate collection of packaging film was recycled and characterized. The material is a blend of low density and linear low density polyethylene and after recycling shows mechanical and rheological properties depending on the processing conditions and apparatus. High processing temperature and high residence times strongly enhance the degradation processes and reduce the mechanical properties, in particular the elongation at break. A possible use of this recycled plastic is for the production of low pressure pipes but the properties are lower than those of virgin pipe grade polyethylene. By introducing additives, like antioxidants, inert fillers and impact modifiers, the mechanical properties improve and approach those of virgin pipe grade polyethylene.