Recycling of packaging multilayer films: New materials for technical products

Multilayer foils are approximately 17% of all produced packaging films. Most produced multilayer film is based on the composition of polyethylene-polyamide (type PAPE). Previous experiences in the recycling of these materials showed that recyclate of these films are heterogeneous materials, making them more difficult to use for manufacturing of new products. Modifications of recycled PAPE were carried out using recycled polyethylene (from 25 to 75 wt.% PE) and inorganic fillers in the form of ash (up to 30 wt.%). Obtained new materials have been characterized, their properties were determined and their usability in the direction of technical products was evaluated. It has been demonstrated that the new plastic composites based on recycled materials after modifying them with special fillers can be used instead of the original plastic material. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.