Pbi-29 Recommended Industry Specifications For Recycled Hdpe.pdf

A DIVISION OF THE SOCIETY OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY. INC • 1801 K STREET NW. SUITE 600K WASHINGTON. DC 20006 • (202) 974-5200

Technical Bulletin PBI 29-1993 RECOMMENDED INDUSTRY SPECIFICATIONS FOR RECYCLED HDPE 1.0 SCOPE 1.1 The purpose of this specification is to provide information necessary for bottle producers to make informed decisions on recycled HDPE resins. This specification will further the ability for the bottle maker or resin purchaser to select a recycled HDPE that will perform acceptably from both a performance and aesthetic standpoint. The documentation provided as a result of this specification may be used to determine reclaimer/molder specifications where certain properties are desired. 2.0 SUMMARY OF PRACTICE: 2.1 All or a subset of the tests listed in this document can be used to determine mutually agreeable specifications for recycled HDPE received from a reclaimer at a bottle production facility. By following the test methods listed, decisions can be made as to the suitability of a recycled HDPE for a specific blow molding application. Such data would also allow statistical quality control records to be kept for recycled HDPE and resultant production. 3.0 CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS REQUIREMENT: 3.1 Examples of recycled HDPE properties that may be supplied by the reclaimer to converter on a Certificate of Analysis (COA) include: 3.1.1

Statement that material received derived from 100% recycled plastics.

3.1.2

Statement of total wt% of additives and/ or color concentrate added to the postconsumer resin by the reclaimer during manufacture.

3.1.3

Melt Index value.

3.1.4

Melt Index range.

3.1.5

Density value.

3.1.6

Color values comprising L*, a*, b* values, or a calculated 9E derived from the L, a, and b values when compared to a virgin blow molding resin.

3.1.7

Methods used to control contamination and/or measurements thereof.

4.0 MEASURED PROPERTIES: 4.1 Suggested Specifications 4.1.1

Melt Index (ASTM D-1238) (g/10 min) natural-0.65 ± 0.20 pigmented-0.45 ± 0.20

4.1.2

Density (ASTM D-1505, D-792) (g/cc) 0.960 ± 0.010

4.1.3

Color (ASTM D-2244) L*,a*,b*,∆ ∆E Values to be agreed upon between supplier and customer.

4.1.4 (%)

is

Volatiles

0.10%

max

Run in oven at 105°C for 1 hour. 4.1.5

Pellet Count 50-80 (pellets/gm) The agreed upon specification between supplier and purchaser in the above range shall use a target value with a tolerance of ± 5 pellets per gram, for a total range of 10 pellets/gm.

To the best of our knowledge the information contained herein is accurate. However, The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. assumes no liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Final determination of the suitability of any information of material for the use contemplated, the manner of use and whether there is any infringement of patents is the sole responsibility of the user. This test method or practice may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This test method does not purport to address all of the safety measures associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this method to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of any federal, state, and local regulatory limitations prior to use. COPYRIGHT  1993 by THE SOCIETY OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY, INC.

PBI 29 - Page 2 of 2 4.1.6 Contamination 100 mesh screen A 100 mesh screen pack (or finer) will be used for the manufacture of all postconsumer HDPE resins. Contamination is defined as any nonpolyethylene foreign substance remaining in the recycled resin after the reclaiming step. Contamination can take the form of labels, charred paper or cardboard, dirt, aluminum foil, adhesive, or polymeric contaminants such as PET or PVC. In some cases, gels caused from excessive degradation of the polymer during re-processing may also be considered as contamination.

5.0 REFERENCES: 5.1 ASTM D-1238 "Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer" 5.2

ASTM D-1505 "Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique"

5.3

ASTM D-792 "Specific Gravity and Density of Plastics by Displacement"

5.4

ASTM D-1248 "Polyethylene Plastics Molding and Extrusion Materials"

5.5

ASTM D-2244 "Calculation of Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates"

5.6

ASTM D-5203 "Polyethylene Plastics Molding and Extrusion Materials from Recycled PostConsumer (HDPE) Sources"