Recycling and restabilization of polymers for high quality applications. An Overview

Abstract

Abstract Mechanical recycling of thermoplastics for high value applications is directly associated with restabilization. The state of the art of processing‐, long term heat‐ and light stabilization of recyclates in different polymers (e.g. PP, PP/EPDM, HDPE, LDPE, PS, PVC and various blends) with examples from packaging, distribution, automotive and construction industry is shown. Because of predamage and impurities, recyclates degrade faster and differently compared with virgin polymers and, therefore, specially designed stabilizer systems are required according to the previous damage, subsequent application and type of polymer. Recommendations for restabilization include combinations of phenolic antioxidants and phosphites as well as HALS compounds or “Recyclostab” stabilizer systems.