Manufactured recycled plastic lumber

MRPL manufactured recycled plastic lumber MWR microwave radiation... 

This book summarizes information on plastics recycling based on studies conducted for the state of Illinois. Part I discusses characterization, collection, costs, and markets for mixed plastics recycling. Part li discusses recycling technologies, Including those for processing and separation, buyer specifications, and the manufacture of plastic lumber. Appendices Include lists of scrap plastic handlers and brokers, manufacturers of recycling equipment, and information sources. 

The major market for recycled film in the U.S. in 2011 was the manufacture of plastic lumber, 55% of the total. Film and sheet applications totaled 16%, with various other applications comprising the remaining 29%. The export market is also very important, accounting for over 40% of the total recycled film [13]. 

There are numerous applications for recycled plastics (Table 9.1) [124], From reuse in the same application as initially used (whether at 100% or more commonly compounded at some lower quantity), to being used in less demanding applications, recycled plastics utilization has made dramatic inroads in many industries. The manufacture of plastic lumber, however, exists almost solely because of recycling. Plastic lumber does not age or splinter as does real wood but its cost to manufacture is sig-... 

Plastic lumber can be manufactured from mixed-polymer post-consumer recycled materials. One example incorporates polyethylene and polypropylene into a final material. How do processors achieve this incorporation in light of the immiscibility of the two polymers ... 

A major use of recycled LDPE and LLDPE is in the manufacture of trash bags. Some is also used in the manufacture of merchandise bags. A use of growing importance is, mixed with wood fibers, plastic lumber for applications such as window frames. 

A number of other specialty polymers are used in packaging as well. Recycling of these materials is essentially nonexistent. Small amounts may be incorporated in mixed-plastic recycling systems that manufacture items such as plastic lumber. The relatively small amounts of these plastics that are available for recovery, and the additional complication that they often form part of multilayer structures, make their recovery and recycling as pure materials impractical in most cases. 

Residential decking is a large component of plastic lumber sales. Major manufacturers using recycled plastics include Trex and Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies (AERT) with plastic/wood fiber composites, and U.S. Plastic Lumber Corp. with both structurally foamed HDPE and plastic/wood composites. ... 

Technolo es for Recycling Post-Consumer Mixed Plastics—Plastic Lumber Production, Emerging Separation Technologies, Waste Plastic Handlers and Equipment Manufacturers, prepared by Bruce A. Hegberg, Gary R. Brenniman and William H. Hallenbeck of the University of Illinois Center for Solid Waste Management and Research for the Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources, Office of Solid Waste and Renewable Resources, March 1991. 

A major market for recycled plastic film and bags is the manufacture of trash bags. Recycled plastic has also been used in the manufacture of new bags, bubble wrap, plastic lumber, housewares, and other applications. 

An unusual recycling system is that of Preserve brand toothbrushes, manufactured by Recycline, Inc., of Somerville, Mass. Buyers of the toothbrushes, which have handles made from a blend of recycled and virgin polypropylene and nylon bristles, can send the brushes back to the company in a postage-paid return envelope. The brushes are then recycled into plastic lumber, with the claim that the blend of PP and nylon actually strengthens the lumber. ... 

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