DuraPET 0624 PCR ST
TM
What is it?
This material is produced using 91% post-consumer recycled PET with excellent visual and mechanical characteristics. Most of the feedstock is from recycled PET bottles. Because of the good impact resistance and high gloss surface of the material, it can be considered a more sustainable replacement for ABS, PC, or PC/ABS. It is a semi-crystalline polymer and thus offers improved chemical resistance and suitability for technically demanding applications.
A similar grade from the same manufacturer is made from Certified Ocean Bound PET with equivalent properties to standard rPET as well as flame-retardant grades.
Material properties
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Tensile Modulus (MPa): 1919
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Tensile Strength (MPa): 48
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Gardner Impact (23°C): [ N-m] 56+
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Elongation at Break strain (%): 350
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Density (kg/m³): 1,26
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Melt Flow Rate (285°C, 2,16 kg) (g/10min): 16
Link to the technical data-sheet
Technical benefits
The material demonstrates extremely high impact and wear characteristics. It can withstand outdoor environmental conditions and retains its ductile behaviour in temperatures as low as -40°C. Its crystallinity provides excellent chemical resistance of the material.
Look and feel
The surface appearance of the sample is appealing. Its gloss is similar to that of amorphous plastics such as ABS or PC, commonly used on housings of electrical appliances. Its stiffness is slightly lower, but this can be easily compensated for by design. The material is easily colourable.
Environmental benefits
PET is one of the most commonly used plastics because of its frequent use in food and drink packaging. The volume of collected second-hand PET is enormous, and will grow as recycling rates increase. PET bottles alone are produced in the hundreds of billions each year. Typical usage for rPET today is polyester clothing such as T-shirts and fleece tracksuits. The negative side of these products is the micro-plastic they release in each wash. This grade enables using rPET in high-value products with an extended life – without sacrificing performance and without the increased waterborne micro-plastics issue.
The carbon emissions of rPET are significantly lower compared with virgin ABS or PC. Increased use of recycled plastic means less extraction of fossil-based feedstock and less energy needed for extraction and processing.
Applications
The material can be used for applications in consumer electronics, furniture, and other areas combining both high visual and mechanical requirements.
Why we chose this material
Considering the high volumes of PET used globally, higher-value consumer products made of rPET are rare. One commonly cited explanation for this is the processability of the material: It has to be dried very thoroughly prior to processing. While that is a genuine concern, thorough drying is not really that difficult in a modern well-equipped injection moulding facility.
Considering the huge and ever-growing streams of rPET, we must learn to more efficiently recycle or even upcycle this valuable feedstock. One solution is to use the material in high-value injection-moulded components.
Why you should consider this material
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You want a mechanically strong material with a low carbon footprint.
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You want a more sustainable replacement for ABS, PC or PC/ABS.
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You want to support the use of rPET on higher-value products.
About the manufacturer
PolyVisions is a US-based custom compounder, specialized and equipped to provide solutions to thermoplastic material challenges through polymer science and formulation expertise. The company is located in Manchester, Pennsylvania.