When processing different polymers together, the main problem is the mutual decomposition often caused to each other by polyethylene, polyether, polyethylene terephthalate, and other polymers when placed into a reactor and heated to their processing temperature. The limited compatibility of polymers of a different chemical nature plays its role here.
In order to avoid such an undesirable effect, the D.I. Mendeleev Russian Chemical Technological University offered to use organic additives. The additives (carboxylic acid oxazolines) are used to inhibit decomposition of the basic chain or ends of a molecule, as well as decomposition of the polymer itself due to excessive heating. Additives can vary depending on the polymers to process and the temperature of their heating in the reactor.
The resulting products are polymer composites with an improved mechanical and impact strength which absorb almost no water. Stanislav Ermakov, one of the developers, explains that they can be used to make filter or diaphragm casings, water treatment devices, and other products used at a high temperature and humidity.
The university is currently developing a reaction extrusion device for processing of polymers and waste polymers regardless of their composition and chemical nature of their components.
