THE EFFECTS OF U.V. STABILIZERS IN POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE

摘要

This paper presents a study of degradation in post-consumer recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) due to the harmful effects of the sun through ultraviolet light, air, and heat. This degradation shows up in the deterioration of mechanical properties. Accelerated weathering test results from exposure to fluorescent lamps will be presented. Background information criticizes these types of tests because critics say that fluorescent lamps are not a reliable predictor of field performance. Since this is however, only a comparative test, the results of the test can still provide insight to the effectiveness of UV stabilizers in recycled HDPE materials. Although these tests will consider excessive color loss, the main interest is the mechanical properties maintained by the polymer.