additives | Compatibilisers


solutions already on the market that have interesting effects on mixed polymer blends. DuPont, for example, says its new series of Entira EP compatibilisers based on ethylene copolymers can boost the performance of recycled polyolefins to a similar level as virgin resins. Adding 3-7% of Entira EP bridges the contaminant to the matrix and creates a homogeneous material, DuPont claims, leading to increased performance and surface properties for manufactured items. “In addition to its use for production of bulky items (flower pots, outdoor furniture), such recycled resins will be suitable for use in higher value applications, as in thin films and membranes for the construction industry,” says a company spokesperson. The Entira EP technology is already being used by


Condensation polymers such as PET can present a challenge in terms of compatibiliza- tion, claims Kenrich


tetrablock co- polymer. The researchers report in their paper: “Individually,


pure iPP (isotactic PP) and PE display ductility and strain hardening when pulled in tension at room temperature. Blending the two components leads to a phase-separated material and a marked reduction in strain at the break point (12% versus 300 and 800% for iPP and PE, respectively). The addition of 5 wt% PP60


PE80 PP75 PE90 raises elongation at break to 600%,


owing to the combined effects of interfacial adhesion, reduced particle size, and efficient stress transfer between phases. With just 1% of this tetrablock copolymer, eb=450%, whereas the addition of 1 wt% of the corresponding diblock copolymer (PP60


PE80


a modest improvement (eb=90%).” Another tetrablock polymer with lower molecular ) exhibited similar properties,


weight (PP36 PE20 PP34 PE24


as did other blends with different PE: iPP ratios. The researchers say the new polymer could be on the market quite quickly. “We are looking for industrial partners to assist with scale-up; we hope there could be commercial production soon,” Coates says. Meanwhile, there are other compatibilisation


recycling companies. Besides recycling of PP-PE blends, it is also being used for compatibilisation of PP with polyvinylbutyral (PVB) in commercial applications (see box below). Hainaut-Plast, a French company specialising in recycling of PVB recovered from laminated glass, is reported to be using the additive in diverse end-use applications such as sound deadening parts for automotive applications. “PVB is a very interesting polymer modifier, and


) leads to


recycled PVB is offered at a much lower price than virgin PVB, but it is not miscible with other polymers so its use in other polymer matrixes requires use of compatibilisers,” says Lucie Charbonnel, Marketing Leader – Recycling and Industrial Segments at DuPont Performance Materials.


Mixed-metal catalysts Salvatore Monti, President at Kenrich Chemicals, points to the advantages of the company’s Ken-React KPR mixed metal catalysts over more mainstream products for compatibilising diverse polymers in post-consumer waste recycling streams. He explains that the widely used maleic anhydride coupling agent cannot be applied with condensation polymers such as PET, PC and polyamides,


DuPont makes PP and PVB work together


DuPont says its Entira EP compatibilisers, based on ethylene copolymers, are enjoying success with key players in the recycling market. Recyclers using the additives for compatibilising PP and PE include Regeplastic in France. Entira EP is also being used for


compatibilising PP with PVB in commer- cial applications. DuPont says Hainaut- Plast in France is using a process to recover


44 PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD | June 2017


PVB from security glass and windshields, and combining the PVB with PP using Entira EP, which makes for “a more economical and efficient recycling process”. Hainaut-Plast is using the process in


technical applications such as sound deadening parts for automotive (pictured). It says Entira leads to a more distinct recycled product. ❙ www.dupont.com


www.plasticsrecyclingworld.com


PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK


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