Upgrading post-consumer PET by using thermally activated crosslinking agents

Purpose and goal

The aim of the current project was to improve the properties of recycled polyethylene terephthalate, rPET, by chemical modification (cross-linking), with the goal to increase competitiveness in technical applications, e.g. core foams for sandwich composites. Reactive additive formulations were developed, which yield improved mechanical and processing properties of rPET foams. Furthermore, the newly developed technology was successfully evaluated for other technical applications. This opens for new business opportunities.

Expected results and effects

The product in focus in the project, core foam based on rPET, was significantly improved with respect to several mechanical properties. This opens for material and cost reductions in current products, since less raw material would be necessary to obtain similar performance, as well as improved competitiveness towards other product areas where more exclusive and better performing foams are used today.

Planned approach and implementation

The parties in the project covered the key competencies in the PET foam value chain. By parallel execution of the workpakcages, the ambitious goals of the project could be achieved. The close interaction between the parties, which was another result of the parallel developmnet, enabled for effective problem solving of some serious challenges that unexpectedly came up. In one specific case it was discovered that a technical solution for stabilizing the manufacturing process, i.e. the formulation of the additive package as masterbatch, also yielded improved product properties.