Development of PET-recycled / ABS blend

• Grant number: 03/07915-2
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: November 01, 2003
• End date: August 31, 2007
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Irineu Bueno Barbosa Junior
• Grantee: Irineu Bueno Barbosa Junior
• Company: BCB Comércio de Sucatas Plásticas Ltda. - ME
• City: São Carlos

Abstract

The environmental problems caused by the incorrect disposal of polyethylene-terephthalate (PET), can be minimized by recycling, which avoids the accumulation on rubbish dumps and reduces the consumption of petroleum. Depending on the technology involved in the recycling process, it may be possible to take advantage of the excellent properties of this thermoplastic (recycled PET) in quality applications such as engineering, adding a significant value to it. For this type of use, it is necessary that the thermoplastic demonstrates a good relationship between the properties of hardness and resistance to impact. Phase 1 of this project evaluated the technical viability of blends of recycled PET and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Estirene (ABS), aiming for its use in replacement for different engineering thermoplastics. The results showed that the blends developed have an excellent costperformance relationship, with great potential for replacing different engineering thermoplastics in injection processes of technical components, in sectors such as the automobile, electroelectronics, household appliances and telecommunications sectors. With its commercial viability proven, the objective of phase 2 of the project is the study of the behavior and adaptability of the new materials to the production processes of future customers, undertaking try-outs of injection of technical components with pilot batches with additives. It is also intended to carry out trials and performance tests on injected components. (AU)