| With the rising cost of prime virgin resin, plastics processors need to implement methods to reduce material costs. The use of 'wide spec' and 'off spec' materials is seen as a suitable alternative. An investigation was required to study these materials for market applications.; The intent of the thesis is to study the mechanical properties of wide spec materials and investigate methods to modify them. The material was wide spec commingled polyolefin scrap, consisting primarily of polypropylene and high density polyethylene. Mineral fillers like talc, wollastonite and calcium carbonate having varying particle sizes were used to enhance the mechanical properties of the material.; The incorporation of fillers enhanced the tensile breaking stress, and tensile, stiffness and storage modulus. The elongation at break and Izod impact energy were reduced. The use of different fillers and particle sizes had varying effects on the amount of change seen in these properties. It can be concluded that within reasonable limits the properties of the wide spec material can be adjusted to suit the end product requirements based on the correct selection of filler type, size and concentration in the blend. |
