| The incorporation of recycled materials across multiple product lines, particularly the use of post-consumer resins, has gained interest in the last decade. However, significant variability in the properties of recycled polymers along with the common compatibility issues in polymer blends complicate the accomplishment of this goal. In this study, a series of virgin materials representing the behavior of typical recycled resins was melt compounded with UPVC. The processability and functional behavior of these polymer blends were investigated. Both compatible and incompatible blends were characterized, obtaining improvements of up to 36 % in storage modulus, 20 % in impact toughness, in addition to processability enhancements and cost reductions. These studies will form the basis for establishing extent of incorporation of recycled materials without adversely affecting the performance characteristics. |
