Recycling assessment of multilayer flexible packaging films using design of experiments

Abstract

SbstractThe viability of recycling post-industrial packaging waste, compounded from multilayer laminated PET-PE films, for production of polymer blends with good physico-mechanical performance is analyzed. Initially, several PET-PE model-blends were prepared from fresh polymers and were compounded with different formulations, based on design of experiments (DOE). Polymer compatibilizers based on maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) and glycidyl methacrylate (E-GMA) have been used to promote the compatibilization reaction. The physico-mechanical properties of the model-blends were evaluated by response surface methodology (RSM). Finally, the post-industrial waste was compounded with the same concentration of compatibilizers in the previous set of model-blends. The DOE methodology showed to be a useful tool for assessing the recycling, since it helped to produce recycled materials with acceptable physico-mechanical properties. Between both compatibilizers studied, PE-g-MA showed to be the best additive for compatibilization due to the presence of a polyamide component in the waste, which undergoes a kinetically favorable compatibilization reaction.

Recycling of Polymer-Based Multilayer Packaging: A Review

“…Figure 5). The polyolefin phase of PE/PP-g-MA is miscible with the PO component, allowing for physical anchoring [94].…”

“…Figure 5). The polyolefin phase of PE/PP-g-MA is miscible with the PO component, allowing for physical anchoring [94]. In 2001, Uehara et al [94] recycled postindustrial plastic films containing 70% of PE, 10% of PET, 10% of PA-6, and 10% adhesives and ink by using PE-g-MA.…”

“…This is due to a cross-linking effect of E-GMA that has to be taken into account at higher E-GMA concentrations. The In 2001, Uehara et al [94] recycled postindustrial plastic films containing 70% of PE, 10% of PET, 10% of PA-6, and 10% adhesives and ink by using PE-g-MA. Because the reaction of the succinic ring of the maleic anhydride with the terminal secondary amine PA is very fast [96,97], PE-g-MA first compatibilizes the PA component and, subsequently, the PET component.…”

“…This is due to a cross-linking effect of E-GMA that has to be taken into account at higher E-GMA concentrations. The reactions depicted in Figure 6 give rise to a complex macromolecular structure that has a direct impact on the viscosity and the mechanical properties of the blend [94]. reactions depicted in Figure 6 give rise to a complex macromolecular structure that has a direct impact on the viscosity and the mechanical properties of the blend [94].…”

“…The reactions depicted in Figure 6 give rise to a complex macromolecular structure that has a direct impact on the viscosity and the mechanical properties of the blend [94]. reactions depicted in Figure 6 give rise to a complex macromolecular structure that has a direct impact on the viscosity and the mechanical properties of the blend [94]. In contrast to E-GMA, PE-g-MA cannot induce cross-linking, since it can only react with the terminal hydroxyl group of PET.…”