Characterization of Recycled/ Virgin PET Polymers and their Composites

Abstract

In this investigation two Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) polymers obtained from mineral water bottle and a virgin PET polymer were characterised by viscosimetry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rheology. Virgin PET showed better rheological and viscosimetric properties compared to recycled PET polymers. In order to improve properties when reprocessed at high temperatures, recycled polymers were blended with the virgin one. Rheological and thermal properties of extruded recycled/virgin (PET-V/R) composites showed a good rheological and thermal compatibility and stability compared to extruded pure recycled polymers.