pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: Recycling
Keynote Presentation
 
 

Rec2TecPart - A New Process For Technical Components Based On Recyclates

Katschnig Matthias (1)*, Holzer Clemens (1), Purgleitner Bianca (2), Hornitschek Birgit (2), Hoellebauer Andreas (3), Link Jürgen (3), Offenberger Ewald (4), Hierzenberger Peter (5), Brzezowsky Klaus (5), Wind Christian (6), Dobiasovsky Regina (7), Ruhaltinger Otmar (8), Ramsl Martin (9)

(1) Department of Polymer Engineering and Science, Polymer Processing - Styria - Austria, (2) TCKT - Transfercenter für Kunststofftechnik GmbH - Upper Austria - Austria, (3) Gabriel-Chemie GmbH - Lower Austria - Austria, (4) MBA Austria Polymers Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH - Lower Austria - Austria, (5) NGR - Next Generation Recycling Maschinen GmbH - Upper Austria - Austria, (6) TPKL - Thermoplastkreislauf GmbH - Lower Austria - Austria, (7) TPKL - Thermoplastkreislauf - Lower Austria - Austria, (8) Bodo Möller Chemie Austria GmbH - Lower Austria - Austria, (9) ecoplus. Niederösterreichs Wirtschaftsagentur GmbH - Lower Austria - Austria

Moving towards sustainability is a social challenge that obliges society and politics the same way. Searching for sustainable approaches resource efficiency has come into play. Thus regarding plastics a material flow from cradle to cradle would be a desirable solution. This approach already exists producing simple products out of down-cycled plastic waste. High-quality products on the other hand, like automotive applications, that need engineering plastics, are still far away from implementing recycled polymers on a larger scale. Reasons are for instance rigorous material specifications, demanding application requirements and the need for reproducible supply. Hence engineering plastic waste is commonly incinerated, which is neither resource-efficient nor saving CO2. Rec2TecPart (Recyclates to Technical Parts), a cooperation and innovation project based on a network of small and medium-sized companies, is facing that challenge and delivers a process design, that upgrades engineering plastic waste by compounding to fabricate tailor-made materials ("RecHQ compounds") for technical components. The Rec2TecPart process is separated in modules (supply logistics, input management, formulation, producing and component) which simplifies the implementation later on. An analysis at the companies has provided weaknesses and strengths of the actual processes, implementation of the needed and adapted modules led to the Rec2TecPart process. For instance at company A a formulation step was adapted using a DoE regarding tailor-made additive packages and extrusion influences for PC/ABS waste. Furhtermore a life cycle assessment of the RecHQ compounds was conducted. The emphasis has lain on controlling data uncertainty by means of scenario/sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulation. Three Case studies have verified, that components made of RecHQ compound save at least 40 % CO2 eq. and 5 % costs providing technical equal material properties compared to new plastics.