In this paper, we report a study on the use of a linear triblock copolymer based on styrene and ethylene/butylene (SEBS) and a polypropylene (PP)-based olefin block copolymer (OBC) for improving the impact strength of a recycled polypropylene (PP) from packaging waste. Talc was used as a reinforcing filler in order to prepare a material suitable for being used in the automotive sector. The composite mixtures were prepared by melt extrusion, and the samples were manufactured by injection molding. Impact strength was evaluated by Izod tests, and a morphological study of the produced fractures was performed. As a result, a composite with substantially improved impact properties was prepared, with a two-fold increase of the impact strength in the case of unnotched specimens, while only a limited positive effect was produced on notched specimens. Since talc-filled PP is a typical material used in the automotive sector, the obtained results demonstrate that post-consumer PP coming from the municipal waste collection of plastic packaging can be successfully used in car components with no compromise in terms of mechanical requirements.
In this paper, we report a study on the effects of different ethylene copolymers in improving the impact strength of a fiber-reinforced composite based on a recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) from post-consumer bottles. Different ethylene copolymers have been selected in order to evaluate the effects of the polar co-monomer chemical structure and content. The composite mixtures were prepared via melt extrusion, and the samples were manufactured by injection molding. Impact strength was evaluated using Izod tests, and a morphological study (FESEM) was performed. As a result, a composite with substantially improved impact properties was designed. This study demonstrates that a post-consumer PET from the municipal waste collection of plastic bottles can be successfully used as a matrix of high-performance, injection-molded composites, suitable for use in the automotive sector, among others, with no compromise in terms of mechanical requirements or thermal stability.
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