PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF RECYCLED VERSUS NEW POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE MOLDED TENSILE BARS

摘要

In this study the injection molding characteristics of plastic flake ground from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles were evaluated and compared to those of virgin PET pellets. A design of experiments approach was used to determine the significant process variables which effected the quality of the molded part. Quality was evaluated by monitoring the appearance, dimensions, and tensile strength. The recycled material was found to have higher flow, more crystalline haze, poorer color, lower elongation to failure, and comparable tensile strength to virgin PET, regardless of processing conditions.