The origin and role of structural inhomogeneities and impurities in material recycling of plastics

Abstract

Abstract Characteristics of aged polymers intended for material recycling are emphasized. Specific material properties of aged recyclates, containing new functional groups formed during processing and first‐life application (structural polymer inhomogeneities) and metallic compounds, pigments or compounds generated from additives (non‐polymeric impurities), are considered from the point of view of their influence on the aging resistance in the second‐life applications. Chemical transformations of the polymer matrix together with consumption of stabilizers deteriorate material properties of collected waste plastics in reprocessing and subsequent outdoor applications.