Investigation of Flame Retardant rPET Foam

Abstract

The use of plastics in the food and the packaging industries continuously is increasing. In these areas of use the product’s life cycle is short, therefore it quickly turns into waste. The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) - the material that is used as beverage containers - are the material with the greatest environmental load. The physical recycling of PET bottles in large quantities was the research goal. During the work with the help of chemical foaming a closed cell structural foam from PET bottle was produced. The research was carried out with upcycling using chain extender and impact modifier additives. For industrial use a bromine-based flame retardant was used and excellent flame retardancy was achieved. Based on the results obtained, the material previously managed as waste, with the appropriate treatment can be involved into the manufacturing of new products.