Brittle temperature, recycling

The mechanical properties of the recycled materials depends on the conditions of the hydrolysis. The brittleness temperature (JIS K7216) of the recycled materials changed with the hydrolysis time (Figure 4). The... 

Rubber matrices have commonly been used as a second phase to improve the toughness of brittle thermoplastic materials, such as polypropylene and polyethylene. These systems, commonly referred to as polyolefin thermoplastic elastomers (TPOs), are a special class of thermoplastic elastomers that combine the processing characteristic of plastics at elevated temperatures with the physical properties of conventional elastomers at service temperature, playing an increasingly important role in the polymer material industry. Polyolefin blends attract additional interest due to the possibility of recycling plastic wastes, avoiding the complex and expensive processes of separation of the different components. 

General Motors commercialized the first exterior trim application of nanocomposite in their 2002 mid-sized vans. The part was stiffer, lighter, and less brittle in cold temperatures and more recyclable. Molded of a thermoplastic olefin clay nanocomposite, it offers weight savings and improved surface quality. About 540,000 Ibs/yr... 

Petroleum-based polymers are not easily recyclable and they do not biodegrade, consequently leading to significant problems in waste management [1]. One alternative to petroleum-based polymers is renewable, plant-based polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA). PLA has thermal and mechanical properties similar to current commodity polymers. However, some inadequacies of PLA include low glass transition temperature, limited melt processibility, brittleness, and incompatibility with other polymers [2]. 

---