Recyclability of PLA and PLA-PBAT Compounds

In this study, mechanical recycling of polylactic acid (PLA) was investigated for up to 10 cycles. As expected, PLAs mechanical properties (tensile strength and modulus, charpy impact strength, heat deflection temperature) decreased after multiple rounds of recycling. Thermal properties and melt flo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPeriodica polytechnica. Mechanical engineering - Mas̆inostroenie
Main Authors Németh, Násfa, Bubenkó, Lilla, Frey, Sára, Molnár, Tamás, Belina, Károly, Vida, Ádám, Semperger, Orsolya Viktória
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 26.06.2025
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Summary:In this study, mechanical recycling of polylactic acid (PLA) was investigated for up to 10 cycles. As expected, PLAs mechanical properties (tensile strength and modulus, charpy impact strength, heat deflection temperature) decreased after multiple rounds of recycling. Thermal properties and melt flow rate were also measured to examine the effect of reprocessing on the molecular structure. PLA was combined with industrial biopolymer waste (IW) containing polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) in different ratios to investigate the recyclability of potential biopolymer waste streams. The results showed that the properties (rheological, thermal and structural) of the mixed biopolymer waste stream (containing PLA and PBAT) are highly dependent on the ratios of the different polymers. Mechanical properties changed from brittle to tough when PBAT content was increased. These results can be beneficial for manufacturers and recyclers who are trying to incorporate biopolymers into their processes or who are dealing with different biopolymer waste streams at the same time.
ISSN:0324-6051
1587-379X
DOI:10.3311/PPme.40287