Recovery of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) via melt mixing with poly(butylene succinate) and ultrafine wollastonite

Authors

P Chaiwutthinan
S Chuayjuljit
A Boonmahitthisud
A Larpkasemsuk

Publication Date

2019-07-01

Abstract

Recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (R-PET) flakes obtained from postconsumer bottles were melt mixed with poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) or with PBS plus ultrafine wollastonite (2000 mesh) at various compositions on a twin screw extruder, followed by injection molding. The tensile properties, morphology, thermal stability and limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the resulting blends and composites were evaluated. Among the investigated R-PET/PBS blend compositions (20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 wt% PBS), the 60/40 wt% blend exhibited the highest tensile strength and elongation at break, but a lower tensile modulus and thermal stability compared to those of the neat R-PET. This blend was subsequently blended with different loading levels of wollastonite (10 - 30 parts by weight per hundred (phr) of blend resin). According to the tensile testing, thermogravimetric analysis and LOI results, the tensile modulus, tensile strength, thermal stability and flame retardancy of the 60/40 wt% R-PET/PBS blend were improved by the incorporation of wollastonite (optimal at 30 phr), while the elongation at break exhibited no significant change. Moreover, wollastonite was effective in preventing melt dripping during combustion of the composites.

First Page

69

Last Page

77

Recommended Citation

Chaiwutthinan, P; Chuayjuljit, S; Boonmahitthisud, A; and Larpkasemsuk, A (2019) "Recovery of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) via melt mixing with poly(butylene succinate) and ultrafine wollastonite," Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals: Vol. 29: No. 1, Article 11.
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/jmmm/vol29/iss1/11