RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article T1 Rheological modification of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate): Blending and reactive extrusion A1 Asensio Valentín, María A1 Núñez Carrero, Karina Carla A1 Guerrero Fernández, Julia A1 Herrero Villar, Manuel A1 Merino Senovilla, Juan Carlos A1 Pastor Barajas, José María K1 Materials K1 Materiales K1 Poly(ethylene terephthalate) K1 Tereftalato de polietileno K1 Mechanical recycling K1 Reciclado mecánico K1 Reología AB The use of recycled PET (rPET) in long-term applications, such as composites, may provide an environmentally friendly solution for PET wastes. Main problem to overcome to use rPET in composites is its high viscosity which compromises the impregnation with the fibers during the consolidation process. As it is well known, PET undergoes thermo-mechanical and hydrolytic degradation during its mechanical recycling decreasing its viscosity and causing a loss of mechanical properties. For this reason, this paper takes into consideration a rheological modification during mechanical recycling to achieve the necessary fluidity for composites while maintaining the mechanical properties. Rheological modification was carried out by physical and chemical methods. Physical method was realized through blending with virgin PET (vPET) of low melt viscosity. Chemical method was performed on rPET, vPET and its blends by reactive extrusion. The effect of rheological modifications on the final thermal and mechanical properties was studied. Main results showed that both methods are able to decrease the viscosity without compromising mechanical properties. In addition, the chemical method during the reactive extrusion provided higher Elastic Modulus values. PB Elsevier SN 0141-3910 YR 2020 FD 2020 LK http://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/45563 UL http://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/45563 LA spa NO Polymer Degradation and Stability, 2020, vol. 179. 11 p. DS UVaDOC RD 22-nov-2024