On a contribution to study some mechanical properties of WEEE recycled polymer blends

Abstract

This research deals with the study of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene/polycarbonate (ABS/PC) totally derived from wastes of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The aim of this study is to investigate the macroscopic use properties of 100% recycled polymers and compare them with the virgin materials. First, a preliminary work of sorting and characterization of the wastes was necessary to identify the predominant polymer components in the lots. Then, four compositions of blends (ABS/PC) were performed at laboratory using the twin-screw extruder and injection techniques. Next, a series of experimental tests were carried out to investigate the morphology of the blends, their mechanical and thermo-mechanical behavior. The experimental results highlighted the synergistic effect by blending ABS and PC wastes. In addition, the comparison with the virgin mixtures has shown a decrease in the mechanical properties of the waste blends, however, the mechanical behavior is still ductile and the blends stiffness was enhanced.