UPGRADING OF RECYCLED PLASTICS BY RESTABILIZATION - AN OVERVIEW

Material properties of recycled plastics are diminished because of che mical degradation of the polymer matrix and partial or even complete d epletion of the stabilizing system during their previous service time. This accounts for a decreased stability of the reclaimed plastics in reprocessing and subsequent long-term heat aging and/or weathering. Th e upgrading of the recycled post-consumer plastics by restabilization is mandatory for high-value products. Upgrading of re-used mixed plast ics by compatibilizers is mentioned in this context with the restabili zation concept.