IDENTIFICATION OF THE COMPOSITION OF PLASTIC FLAKES FROM POST-CONSUMER BOTTLE COVERS TO FACILITATE YOUR RECYCLING

Abstract

Caps are usually made of a different type of plastic then their bottles, so we used to be asked to recycle them separately. The identification of the composition of this material through appropriate analytical techniques becomes a potential necessity since an adequate characterization can enhance the ability to include it in the circular chain. Therefore, the objective of the present work is to identify the composition of flakes from post-consumer bottle caps (TPC), when segregated by color (A, B, V, R) or not (M), through the use of laboratory such as infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ash content, and mechanical tests. Results of the thermal analysis by DSC showed that the caps are mostly composed of polypropylene (PP) and high density polyethylene (HDPE). FTIR spectra detected the presence of EVA, which can be attributed to the liner of some covers. The sample of the TPC_A flakes showed higher mechanical performance in Flow Stress, Breaking Stress and Flexion Module.