Adding Strength to Polypropylene
Question:
I have mixed color unfilled polypropylene scrap and would like to reuse it for another application but I need to increase its physical properties. I know that Polypropylene is a thermoplastic resin and can be rerun again, but the application we want requires additional strength and stability. Can we reprocess this material and gain the added strength and stiffness we desire?
- Two-Timer
Answer:
Dear Two-Timer - A great question, and this application is right up our alley.
Your scrap can be compounded with a mineral filler to give you the properties you seek. The type and percentage of mineral would be determined by what properties you are looking for. The only limitations you may run into would be color and the final Melt Index of the compounded material. The Melt Index may go lower when we add the mineral filler, but this can be adjusted. The color you can get will be determined by the feed stock polypropylene, for instance, it is difficult to get a light color from a dark feed stock.
You can check our web site at www.plasticsgroup.com and see the varying physical properties for the types and percentages of mineral reinforcing agents. When you find the specification you need The Plastics Group can recompound your scrap polypropylene feedstock with the mineral you choose and provide it back to you in pellet form for reuse. This is the beauty of polypropylene; instead of throwing it away it can easily and successfully be recycled!
Feel free to contact The Plastics Group 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by visiting our web site, www.plasticsgroup.com, or calling FAX-Back Fred toll-free at (888) 888-0041. During business hours we can be reached toll-free at (800) 984-4TPG (4874).
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