powered by Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBFThe #LBFDeepDive is dedicated to the topic of the ageing of plastics in the life cycle and the associated challenges and solutions for plastic recyclates.
The ageing of plastics is an important aspect in the life cycle of plastic products. It involves physical, chemical and mechanical changes caused by environmental influences such as UV radiation, temperature, humidity and chemical substances in combination with mechanical stress.
Over time, these influences lead to a reduction in mechanical properties, but also to optical changes such as discoloration or haze.
Depending on the damage to the molecular structure, ageing can be a challenge for plastics recycling. Impurities in the existing recyclate streams further complicate the mechanical recycling of plastics.
Ensuring the longevity and quality of recycled plastics requires a deep understanding of the ageing mechanisms that occur and their implication for material development, component design and recycling.
#LBFDeepDive topics
- Polymer ageing:
- What are the standard approaches to accelerated ageing and weathering of plastics?
- What other approaches are there for aging and weathering under unusual conditions, ageing under UV-C irradiation, accelerated ageing under the influence of moisture, detection of weathering-induced degradation products?
- Mechanics:
- How can the reliability of material and component properties be assessed in long-term applications of recyclates?
- How do the mechanical properties of recyclates differ from those of virgin materials, and how do external influences affect the lifetime of components?
- Additives:
- Is it possible to make plastics fit for a second life with sustainable additives?
- Why are special recyclate stabilizers needed, how do they differ from virgin stabilizers and how do they work?
Join us for an exciting day of expert knowledge and discussion on the ageing of plastics throughout their entire life cycle. Learn how environmental influences affect material properties and the challenges this poses for plastics recycling. Meet experts from the Fraunhofer LBF research department, exchange ideas and discover innovative solutions to imptove recyclability and material quality. The seminar will be rounded off with a tour of the Plastics Division laboratories. Take the opportunity to learn more about this topic and to network.
Registration coming soon.
