Utilization of Multilayered Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)-Based Film Packaging Waste Using Reactive Compatibilizers and Impact Modifier

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the material properties of reactive extrusion-modified blends containing PET multilayered foil waste. Three types of PET-based multilayer foil waste were used as the compound during the reprocessing of standard bottle-grade PET. Flakes used for this purpose were made from laminated foils: (A) PET/PE, (B) PET/EVOH/PE, and PET/PE/met. All types of the prepared materials were compounded with 30% of the waste foil flakes. Additionally, the blend was modified with an epoxy-based chain extender and polyolefin-based impact modifier. The prepared blends were processed using two methods; initially, the materials were prepared by injection molding, while cast-film samples were also prepared. All samples were subjected to full characterization using mechanical testing methods, thermal analysis, and structural observations. The study shows that the addition of multilayered foil waste is leading to significant deterioration of PET-based material properties. While, in most cases, the use of a chain extender led to some improvement in mechanical characteristics, the impact modifier addition strongly influenced most of the properties. It was also observed that the reactive extrusion procedure led to melt strength improvement, which greatly facilitates the film production process. Due to the limited possibility of separating the film components, the developed method of foil recycling might be useful for the utilization of multilayered packaging.

The Development of Sustainable Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Based (PETG) Blends for Additive Manufacturing Processing—The Use of Multilayered Foil Waste as the Blend Component

“…Meanwhile, for the elastomer-modified material PETG/(PET/MET)-IM, the T cc position moved to 138 °C. The same behavior was noticed for the other groups of materials, which confirmed that the observed phenomenon was directly connected with the presence of the POE-g-GMA phase [ 53 , 70 ]. Since this type of elastomer is functionalized by glycidyl methacrylate groups, strong interfacial interactions are likely formed between the polyester matrix and the elastomer inclusion [ 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 ].…”

“…A natural suggestion for further work on this topic could be to optimize the composition of the developed blends, especially in terms of the impact modifier (IM) content. The constant content of 20% used during the tests was estimated in accordance with the guidelines of manufacturers of this type of additive, as well as previous research in this area, including our own [ 53 , 97 , 98 ]. The use of a smaller amount of the IM additive could maintain the higher stiffness/strength of the prepared blends; additionally, the reduced content of the relatively expensive elastomer would also be economically justified.…”

“…For the purpose of this study, we used three types of laminated foils. Materials of this type have already been used by us in previous research on foil applications [ 53 ]. Foil 1, marked as PET/PE, was prepared during the lamination of APET foil with a layer of polyethylene (LLDPE).…”