Valorization of undervalued recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) by supercritical CO2-assisted extrusion foaming CO2-assisted extrusion

ongoing

During the last century, the unique properties of plastics have enabled human civilization to continuously improve its living conditions. An example is the polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) that has become the primary packaging material of beverage containers. However, the short life cycle of these materials created a significant environmental problem, as they tend to end up in landfills or occasionally in the environment. In this project, the mechanical reprocessing method of colored PET is going to be combined with extrusion foaming assisted by supercritical carbon-dioxide (sc-CO2) that presents high advantages as a high dissolution in polymers (enables foamed products with very low density) and a green process since CO2 is an environmentally friendly physical foaming agent. The project is fully in line with the interests of the Researcher, Dr. Daniel Vadas. He has been studying the CO2-aided extrusion foaming technology for 7 years, firstly he successfully produced and characterised flame-retarded poly (lactic acid) (PLA) foams in 2015 and managed to secure 1st place on the Conference of Student Research Societies at both University and National level. The project proposed herein will enable him to acquire and reinforce unique research-related experiences and transferable skills in mechanical recycling of lower value post-consumer PET waste as well as in Management and entrepreneurship. The intersectoral industrial relationships of the host organization whom the candidate will closely and intensively collaborate with, would significantly improve his leadership competences. The project results will improve the recyclability of almost non-recyclable colored PET, thereby reducing the volume of plastic materials sent to landfill or incineration.