Smith, Philip, McLauchlin, Andy, Franklin, Tom, Yan, Peiyao, Cunliffe, Emily, Hasell, Tom 
ORCID: 0000-0003-4736-0604, Kurlin, Vitaliy ORCID: 0000-0001-5328-5351, Kerr, Colin, Attwood, Jonathan, Shaver, Michael P et al (show 1 more authors)
(2024)
A data-driven analysis of HDPE post-consumer recyclate for sustainable bottle packaging
Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 205.
p. 107538.
ISSN 0921-3449, 1879-0658
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PDF
A data-driven analysis of HDPE post-consumer recyclate for sustainable.pdf - Open Access published version Download (7MB) | Preview |
Abstract
The packaging industry faces mounting demand to integrate post-consumer recyclate (PCR). However, the complex structure-property relationships of PCRs often obscure their performance compared to virgin equivalents, posing challenges in selecting suitable PCRs for applications. Focused on extrusion blow moulding grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE), this study presents the most extensive characterisation of HDPE PCR to date, encompassing 23 resins (3 virgin, 20 PCR). Employing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), rheology, colour analysis, and mechanical testing, we established a feature-rich dataset with 56 distinctive characteristics. Utilising a data science approach based on principal component analysis, with the virgin samples as a benchmark, we identified that combining FTIR, TGA and mechanical testing provided effective identification of PCRs that closely match the properties of virgin HDPE. The pipeline created can be utilised for new PCRs to determine suitability as a replacement for virgin plastic in a desired application.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Post-consumer recyclate (PCR), Plastics recycling, High-density polyethylene, Datadriven analysis, Polymer characterization, Circular economy |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Science & Engineering > School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science Faculty of Science & Engineering > School of Physical Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Mar 2024 15:50 |
| Last Modified: | 28 Feb 2026 01:05 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107538 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3179815 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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