MATERIALS | COMPATIBILISERS


Making polymers work together


Compatibilisation is an increasingly important means for boosting recycling by blending different plastics that otherwise are immiscible. We report on recent product developments


Main image: Getting different polymers to mix requires the right technology


Polymer groups and additives producers are becoming more active in the field of compatilisa- tion, introducing products that enable blending and mixing of polymers. These companies can see potential for their products in a number of applica- tions, including recycled compounds. Mixed polyethylene and polypropylene waste is a key target area, due to the incompatibility of the two polyolefins when recycled together. In addition to PE and PP, compatibilisers could benefit other com- monly recycled plastics such as PET. ExxonMobil produces a PE-PP copolymer


range called Vistamaxx which can be used to compatibilise PP and PE in a mixed recyclate. Among the Vistamaxx benefits are enhancement to impact performance and modification of melt flow, says ExxonMobil. ExxonMobil customer See Hau Global in Malaysia produces nearly 1 million plastic pallets per year. See Hau incorporates recycled PE and PP into its virgin plastic material. But material incom- patibility can affect the impact strength, a key


50 PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD | March/April 2019


criteria of the pallets, and general mechanical properties. This combined with poor surface appearance can lead to pallet rejection by See Hau’s customers. The inconsistent quality of the recyclate can also affect processability, leading to an increase in costs. See Hau had previously used PE-based plasto-


mers, but these did not deliver the results required, so the company began running trials with Vistamaxx polymers as a potential replacement. The compati- bilisation and dispersibility capabilities of Vistamaxx polymers led to better quality pallets than those manufactured using plastomers. These improve- ments include: strength for better load-carrying capacity; stiffness that resists deformation under load; durability to withstand the rigors of shipping and handling; and better surface appearance. “We routinely perform standard industry drop


tests from 3 feet, to check for cracking, stress whitening, deformation and other signs of weak- ness,” said C.C. Cheah, Deputy Managing Director at See Hau Global. “The results are excellent and


www.plasticsrecyclingworld.com


PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK


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