A model process for the recycling of a Surlyn® Ionomer
J. G. Poulakis
Laboratory of Polymer Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographou, Athens 157 80, Greece
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
C. D. Papaspyrides
Laboratory of Polymer Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographou, Athens 157 80, Greece
Laboratory of Polymer Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographou, Athens 157 80, GreeceSearch for more papers by this authorJ. G. Poulakis
Laboratory of Polymer Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographou, Athens 157 80, Greece
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
C. D. Papaspyrides
Laboratory of Polymer Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographou, Athens 157 80, Greece
Laboratory of Polymer Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographou, Athens 157 80, GreeceSearch for more papers by this authorAbstract
The dissolution/reprecipitation process has been used for the recycling of a typical ionomer grade. Model experiments on virgin material, either in the form of pellets or injection molded rollerwheels, are presented. The process proposed basically comprises dissolution of the plastic in an appropriate solvent, reprecipitation by using a nonsolvent, thorough washing of the material obtained, and drying. The solvent mixtures involved are separated by fractional distillation for further reuse. Previous studies have proved that xylene + n>-butanol/methanol is a particularly effective solvent/non-solvent system. Further investigation was focused on the effect of sample history through successive recycling cycles. The recycled material was evaluated in terms of the following properties: melt flow index (MFI), crystallinity, mechanical performance in tensile mode, and grain size analysis. No degradation effects were detected due to previous history and the recycled polymer exhibited excellent retention of its properties. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Adv in Polym Techn 19: 203–209, 2000
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