Liquid additive substantially increases physical properties of recycled polymers

A new liquid additive reduces the polymer degradation that takes place during melt processing, substantially increasing physical property retention in regrind as compared with unmodified material.

+Restore™ additive from Riverdale Global has exhibited positive results with recycled commodity resins such as polyolefins, according to Jared Arbeter, technical sales manager. For example, reground homopolymer polypropylene containing +Restore additive exhibited 65% greater Izod impact strength than unmodified regrind (see chart). Improvements have also been achieved with PP copolymer and HDPE.

The new additive can be used alone or in a blend with Riverdale Global's liquid colors. Typical usage rates are in the 0.1 to 0.5% range. Processors can use the +Restore additive to enhance the physical properties of virgin materials, though the most dramatic results are exhibited in recycling.

"+Restore enables recyclers to obtain physical properties much closer to those of virgin polymer than with unmodified regrind," said Mr. Arbeter. "This innovation expands end-use possibilities for recycled material, opening new applications in molded or extruded products, including fibers."