Use of additive compatibilization for recycling of municipal plastics waste

Abstract

It is shown that various grades of polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene are the main components of municipal plastics waste after separation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles. We found that a mixture of commercial copolymers is very efficient compatibilizer for polyethylene/ polypropylene/polystyrene blends. This compatibilizer is very efficient also for application on real municipal plastics waste. Proper mixing conditions must be chosen. In this case, materials with satisfactory toughness are achieved. Using this procedure should broaden the area of application of recycled materials and strongly improve economy of recycling.