The effect of multiple extrusion passes during recycling of high density polyethylene

Advancing Plastic Recycling: Challenges and Opportunities in the Integration of 3D Printing and Distributed Recycling for a Circular Economy

The concept of the circular economy has emerged as a promising solution to address the mounting concerns surrounding plastic waste and the urgent need for sustainable resource management. While conventional centralized recycling remains a common practice for plastic waste, centralized facilities may prove inadequate in handling the ever-increasing volumes of plastic waste generated globally. Consequently, exploring alternative recycling methods, such as distributed recycling by additive manufacturing, becomes paramount. This innovative approach encompasses actively involving communities in recycling practices and promotes a circular economy. This comprehensive review paper aims to explore the critical aspects necessary to realize the potential of distributed recycling by additive manufacturing. In this paper, our focus lies on proposing schemes that leverage existing literature to harness the potential of distributed recycling by additive manufacturing as an effective approach to plastic waste management. We explore the intricacies of the recycling process, optimize 3D printing parameters, address potential challenges, and evaluate the mechanical properties of recycled materials. Our investigation draws heavily from the literature of the last five years, as we conduct a thorough critical assessment of DRAM implementation and its influence on the properties of 3D printing structures. Through comprehensive analysis, we reveal the potential of recycled materials in delivering functional components, with insights into their performance, strengths, and weaknesses. This review serves as a comprehensive guide for those interested in embracing distributed recycling by additive manufacturing as a transformative approach to plastic recycling. By fostering community engagement, optimizing 3D printing processes, and incorporating suitable additives, it is possible to collectively contribute to a more sustainable future while combatting the plastic waste crisis. As progress is made, it becomes essential to further delve into the complexities of material behavior, recycling techniques, and the long-term durability of recycled 3D printed components. By addressing these challenges head-on, it is feasible to refine and advance distributed recycling by additive manufacturing as a viable pathway to minimize plastic waste, fostering a circular economy and cultivating a cleaner planet for generations to come.

Evaluation of the Mechanical, Thermal and Rheological Properties of Recycled Polyolefins Rice-hull Composites

Understanding the properties and flow characteristics of recycled polyolefins in rice hull composite blends is of importance to facilitate process optimization whilst promoting sustainability. The influence of milled rice hull particle size (<0.5 mm and <1 mm) on properties of recycled polyolefins composites was studied with major focus on recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) and polypropylene (rPP) together with added maleated polymer coupling agents. Composites were compounded/extruded using a twin-screw extruder and the thermal, mechanical, and physical properties were analyzed as well as their melt flow, dynamic. and capillary rheology tests. The incorporation of the <0.5 mm rice-hulls particles enhanced the composite properties of viscosity, flexural strength, moduli, water absorption, and thermal stability for both polyolefins with rHDPE composites showing more reliable properties as compared to rPP.

Influence of Processing Conditions on Productivity, Thermal and Rheological Properties of Reprocessed Low Density Polyethylene

The market for recycled thermoplastic polymers is undergoing a sharp increase, although recyclate polymers are regarded as materials with inferior properties when compared to the virgin material. This study investigates the behavior of non-contaminated scraps of low density polyethylene (LDPE) from the plastic packaging industry after single processing stage, in terms of the productivity and the thermal and rheological properties. The LDPE used was reprocessed on a single-screw extruder (Miotto) of 90 mm screw diameter and L/D = 25. Three screw speeds (80, 90 and 100 min−1) were investigated at three processing temperatures (200, 250 and 300°C). The reprocessed materials were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis TGA, parallel plates rheometry and productivity. The results obtained by TGA showed a typical range of polyolefin degradation (350 to 450°C). The viscoelastic properties did not show significant changes in relation to the rheological behavior. Increasing the temperature and screw speed promoted a productivity gain of approximately 30%. This suggests that under the conditions studied it is possible to reprocess this material with good productivity ensuring its thermal, mechanical and rheological properties.