Project Details
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Design of temperature resistant recycled PET/PBT bead foams and clarification of structure-property-relationships when foaming and welding.

Applicant Professor Dr.-Ing. Holger Ruckdäschel, since 2/2023
Subject Area Plastics Engineering
Term from 2021 to 2025
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 456088221
 
Final Report Year 2025

Final Report Abstract

The project investigated the processing and properties of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and their blends, particularly with regard to thermal behavior, crystallization, foam extrusion and weldability. Firstly, the thermal properties and crystallization of the blends were analyzed. It was found that rPET and PBT are miscible in the amorphous state but remain segregated in the crystalline phase, resulting in a characteristic double melting peak. The addition of a chain extender had little effect on crystallization, but significantly increased viscosity and melt strength. In foam extrusion, a CE concentration of 0.8 wt% was found to give optimum results in terms of cell structure and density, while higher concentrations limited processability. Welding tests using RF technology showed that the rPET50/PBT50 blends gave the best welding results as the double melting peak extended the process window. Finally, the reaction kinetics of the CE modification were investigated to better understand the rheological and foaming properties. The results of the project provide an important basis for the processing and application of rPET/PBT blends, especially in the field of sustainable foams.

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