Recycling of PET and Polyolefin Based Packaging Materials by Reactive Blending

Results concerning the compatibilization and the chemical-physical characterisation of blends of PET and polyolefins (HDPE, PP) obtained from postconsumer packaging materials are presented. The blend compatibilization was carried out by melt mixing and extrusion processes in the presence of a variety of polyolefins functionalized with reactive groups, such as maleic anhydride, acrylic acid, and glycidyl methacrylate. The effect of the type and concentration of compatibilizer, as well as the mixing conditions on the morphology, crystallization behavior, thermal stability, rheological, and dynamic-mechanical properties of the blends was investigated by various techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy, rheometry, differential calorimetry, thermogravimetry, FTIR, NMR, and mechanical analysis.