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Defining quality by quantifying degradation in the mechanical recycling of polyethylene

Author

Listed:
  • Arpan D. Patel

    (University of Manchester
    University of Manchester)

  • Zoé O. G. Schyns

    (University of Manchester
    University of Manchester)

  • Thomas W. Franklin

    (University of Manchester
    University of Manchester)

  • Michael P. Shaver

    (University of Manchester
    University of Manchester)

Abstract

Polyolefins have a multitude of uses across packaging, automotive and construction sectors. Their resistance to degradation during reprocessing enables recyclability, but variability in recycled polymer feedstocks renders it difficult to assure their manufacturing suitability. The lack of quality control methods has disabled circular economy pathways; product failure is costly, wasteful and time-intensive. Using rheology-simulated and extrusion-based recycling experiments, we explore the degradation pathways of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Chain scission dominates during the initial degradation of HDPE, and increasing exposure to O2 shifts the dominant mechanism to long-chain branching. Importantly, extending this method to post-consumer recyclate (PCR), the results show potential as a methodology to assess recyclate quality to enable a circular plastics economy. In this study, we establish the validity of this rheology simulation to define a characteristic degradation parameter, relating it to the structural evolution under different environments defined for virgin HDPE and post-consumer recyclate (PCR).

Suggested Citation

  • Arpan D. Patel & Zoé O. G. Schyns & Thomas W. Franklin & Michael P. Shaver, 2024. "Defining quality by quantifying degradation in the mechanical recycling of polyethylene," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-52856-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52856-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jiajia Zheng & Sangwon Suh, 2019. "Strategies to reduce the global carbon footprint of plastics," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 9(5), pages 374-378, May.
    2. Jiajia Zheng & Sangwon Suh, 2019. "Publisher Correction: Strategies to reduce the global carbon footprint of plastics," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 9(7), pages 567-567, July.
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