Tyler Glass

Student

Speaker Biography:

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Presentation Description:

Recycling plastic is essential to reduce environmental pollution and save energy. Plastic parts from recycled materials consume significantly less energy than virgin materials. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is commonly used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and pharmaceutical containers due to its chemical resistance and strength. With the support of The Society of Plastics Engineers Blow Molding Division, we investigated the influence of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content on blow-molded HDPE bottles. We focused on how PCR incorporation affected processing and properties of finished parts. We molded one-quart cylindrical bottles that would be appropriate for motor oil or automotive additives. Two HDPE virgin resins were selected: Marlex 9512H and Marlex HHM 5202BN, provided by Chevron Phillips in Bartlesville, OK. Our PCR-based resin was KWR 101-150, provided by Arch Plastics Packaging in Chattanooga, TN. Prior to molding, resin rheology was characterized by melt flow indexing. Each virgin resin was blended with either 25% or 50% PCR and compared to corresponding 100% virgin resin bottles. Bottles that were 100% PCR were also molded. Each formulation was analyzed for physical and mechanical properties. Top load testing and drop impact testing is crucial to determining how bottles will perform during shipping and storage. Tensile testing provides information on part stiffness and ultimate strength. Environmental stress cracking resistance and color quantification provide information on chemical resistance and the effect of PCR incorporation on part color, respectively. This research provides a deeper understanding of how recycled content affects blow-molded bottle production and contributes to more sustainable plastic manufacturing practices.