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Prof. Kim Ragaert
CAPTURE—Plastics to Resource, Centre for Polymer and Material Technologies, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

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Research Keywords & Expertise

0 Design from Recycling
0 Mechanical recycling of thermoplastics
0 Structure–property relationships in polymers
0 Predictive quality modelling of contaminated recycled plastics
0 Design for recycling

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Mechanical recycling of thermoplastics
Design from Recycling
Design for recycling

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Short Biography

Kim Ragaert, a polymer materials scientist by background, is an associate professor in circular plastics at Ghent University. She leads a multidisciplinary research team of around 15 researchers, working to develop the necessary scientific tools to enable the improved mechanical recycling of plastics. Specific research topics include the quality modeling of (contaminated) recycled plastics, upcycling of mixed solid plastic waste, polymer degradation and multiple recycling, design for recyclability, design from recycling, WEEE plastics, and recycling of multilayer packaging materials. She leads and participates in several (inter)national recycling projects, alongside a variety of industrial partners, policy makers, and other academia.

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Journal article
Published: 06 August 2021 in Resources, Conservation and Recycling
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Plastics are highly versatile materials, which can substantially vary in their properties, within a single polymer type, to cope with the range of different applications. Sorted bales of end-of-life plastics typically still contain a mixture of various plastic types and grades, which significantly affects the technical properties of the recycled material made from these bales. The evaluation of the technical recycling quality is crucial to determine which applications can be targeted with the produced recyclates, and if actual substitution of virgin plastics is possible. This is relevant from a technical perspective, but also for sustainability assessments such as life cycle assessment. The functionality of a plastic material is determined by a range of mechanical characteristics and by its ease of processing. These aspects cannot be generalized, as they are dependant on the intended application. This work, therefore, proposes a concept for calculating the effective technical substitutability, in which application specific functions generate a score for processability and mechanical recycling quality. To illustrate this concept, the substitutability of three commercially available recycled plastics is determined for four different application categories. The results show the strong application dependency of the changes in technical quality for a given recycled plastic stream. The approach is a step forward in the correct determination of the substitutability and consequently the proper assessment of the potential of end-of-life plastics as secondary resource.

ACS Style

Ruben Demets; Karen Van Kets; Sophie Huysveld; Jo Dewulf; Steven De Meester; Kim Ragaert. Addressing the complex challenge of understanding and quantifying substitutability for recycled plastics. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 2021, 174, 105826 .

AMA Style

Ruben Demets, Karen Van Kets, Sophie Huysveld, Jo Dewulf, Steven De Meester, Kim Ragaert. Addressing the complex challenge of understanding and quantifying substitutability for recycled plastics. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 2021; 174 ():105826.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ruben Demets; Karen Van Kets; Sophie Huysveld; Jo Dewulf; Steven De Meester; Kim Ragaert. 2021. "Addressing the complex challenge of understanding and quantifying substitutability for recycled plastics." Resources, Conservation and Recycling 174, no. : 105826.

Journal article
Published: 12 July 2021 in Resources, Conservation and Recycling
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The Circular Plastics Alliance initiative aims to boost the uptake of recycled plastics (as regranulates) up to 10 million ton by 2025. Consequently, the demand for regranulates in Belgium and the Netherlands is expected to increase as electronic producers begin to pledge to use 25 % regranulates in their products by 2025 or 2030. Therefore, this research aims to gain insights into the potential of regranulates to be used in vacuum cleaners, coffee machines, and electric shavers, which are products with a fair amount of plastics concentration in the small household appliances (SHA) category of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). A model is developed to forecast the amount of waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) generated in 2030 in Belgium and the Netherlands using multivariate input-output analysis. The amount of regranulates released by the current formal WEEE management systems of SHA waste is quantified using material flow analysis, which equal to 22 %. This research indicates the need of improved collection rate and pre-processing efficiency (dismantling, shredding, and sorting) to at least 64 % to achieve the target of using recycled content in EEE. Moreover, up to 5 % of WEEE may still contain hazardous substances like brominated flame retardants by 2030. Lastly, through scenario analysis, we predict that the target to use recycled content in vacuum cleaners can be realized by 2027 or by 2023 in the base and positive scenario respectively, regardless of the changes in material composition as long as the collection and pre-processing technologies are continuously improved.

ACS Style

Irdanto Saputra Lase; Kim Ragaert; Jo Dewulf; Steven De Meester. Multivariate input-output and material flow analysis of current and future plastic recycling rates from waste electrical and electronic equipment:The case of small household appliances. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 2021, 174, 105772 .

AMA Style

Irdanto Saputra Lase, Kim Ragaert, Jo Dewulf, Steven De Meester. Multivariate input-output and material flow analysis of current and future plastic recycling rates from waste electrical and electronic equipment:The case of small household appliances. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 2021; 174 ():105772.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Irdanto Saputra Lase; Kim Ragaert; Jo Dewulf; Steven De Meester. 2021. "Multivariate input-output and material flow analysis of current and future plastic recycling rates from waste electrical and electronic equipment:The case of small household appliances." Resources, Conservation and Recycling 174, no. : 105772.

Journal article
Published: 07 May 2021 in Resources, Conservation and Recycling
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Currently, Belgium is in a transition period after which more household plastic packaging waste will be collected separately in function of increased recycling. The challenge is to identify the most environmentally sound treatment option for the increased selectively collected plastic waste. In this study, mechanical recycling (MR) and thermochemical recycling (TCR) of four newly collected subfractions, being polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), mixed polyolefins (MPO) rigids and polyethylene (PE) films, were investigated through prospective Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), in comparison to incineration with energy recovery. Results showed clear benefits of recycling over incineration with energy recovery. Generally, MR showed a better net environmental impact compared to TCR (for PP, PS, MPO rigids and PE films, respectively, e.g., a global warming impact of 100, -1580, 539 and 101 kg CO2 eq. per ton by TCR, and -1183, -3096, -319 and -1162 kg CO2 eq. per ton by MR, and 2339, 2494, 2108 and 2141 kg CO2 eq. per ton by incineration). This could mainly be explained by the avoided burdens of virgin materials. Whereas TCR avoids the virgin supply of the feedstock for polymer production, MR avoids additionally polymerisation and granulation. MR products, i.e. regranulates or flakes, can be directly used in manufacturing, whereas TCR products require first processes like steam cracking, polymerisation and granulation before being used in manufacturing. As this study assumed a 1:1 substitution ratio between MR regranulates and their virgin alternatives, it presents the most favourable results for MR, which should be kept in mind and further investigated.

ACS Style

Didem Civancik-Uslu; T.T. Nhu; Bart Van Gorp; Uros Kresovic; Macarena Larrain; Pieter Billen; Kim Ragaert; Steven De Meester; Jo Dewulf; Sophie Huysveld. Moving from linear to circular household plastic packaging in Belgium: Prospective life cycle assessment of mechanical and thermochemical recycling. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 2021, 171, 105633 .

AMA Style

Didem Civancik-Uslu, T.T. Nhu, Bart Van Gorp, Uros Kresovic, Macarena Larrain, Pieter Billen, Kim Ragaert, Steven De Meester, Jo Dewulf, Sophie Huysveld. Moving from linear to circular household plastic packaging in Belgium: Prospective life cycle assessment of mechanical and thermochemical recycling. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 2021; 171 ():105633.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Didem Civancik-Uslu; T.T. Nhu; Bart Van Gorp; Uros Kresovic; Macarena Larrain; Pieter Billen; Kim Ragaert; Steven De Meester; Jo Dewulf; Sophie Huysveld. 2021. "Moving from linear to circular household plastic packaging in Belgium: Prospective life cycle assessment of mechanical and thermochemical recycling." Resources, Conservation and Recycling 171, no. : 105633.

Journal article
Published: 27 April 2021 in Sustainability
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Growing global plastic production combined with poor waste collection has led to increasing amounts of plastic debris being found in oceans, rivers and on shores. The goal of this study is to provide an overview on currently available technological solutions to tackle marine plastic litter and to assess their potential use in developing countries. To compile an inventory of technological solutions, a dedicated online platform was developed. A total of 51 out of initially 75 submitted solutions along the plastics value chain were assessed by independent experts. Collection systems represent more than half of the shortlisted solutions. A quarter include processing and treatment technologies, either as a stand-alone solution (30%) or, more commonly, in combination with a first litter capturing step. Ten percent offer digital solutions. The rest focuses on integrated waste management solutions. For each stage in the source-to-sea spectrum—land, rivers, sea—two illustrative examples are described in detail. This study concludes that the most cost-effective type of solution tackles land-based sources of marine litter and combines technology with people-oriented practices, runs on own energy sources, connects throughout the plastics value chain with a convincing valorization plan for captured debris, and involves all relevant stakeholders.

ACS Style

Andrea Winterstetter; Marie Grodent; Venkatesh Kini; Kim Ragaert; Karl Vrancken. A Review of Technological Solutions to Prevent or Reduce Marine Plastic Litter in Developing Countries. Sustainability 2021, 13, 4894 .

AMA Style

Andrea Winterstetter, Marie Grodent, Venkatesh Kini, Kim Ragaert, Karl Vrancken. A Review of Technological Solutions to Prevent or Reduce Marine Plastic Litter in Developing Countries. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (9):4894.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrea Winterstetter; Marie Grodent; Venkatesh Kini; Kim Ragaert; Karl Vrancken. 2021. "A Review of Technological Solutions to Prevent or Reduce Marine Plastic Litter in Developing Countries." Sustainability 13, no. 9: 4894.

Review article
Published: 19 April 2021 in Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering
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It is commonly agreed in the current legislative and scientific discourse that plastics recycling rates should be increased. Many recycling studies are dedicated towards this, but often they focus on post-household plastic waste. Non-household end-use plastics seems to be forgotten in data gathering, policy making and research, but have promising potential for high quality recycling. In this manuscript we bring together the most recent existing literature on non-household end-use plastic waste and offer a framework for shifting future waste management plans to effectively help increasing recycling rates.

ACS Style

Kerstin Kleinhans; Ruben Demets; Jo Dewulf; Kim Ragaert; Steven De Meester. Non-household end-use plastics: the ‘forgotten’ plastics for the circular economy. Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering 2021, 32, 100680 .

AMA Style

Kerstin Kleinhans, Ruben Demets, Jo Dewulf, Kim Ragaert, Steven De Meester. Non-household end-use plastics: the ‘forgotten’ plastics for the circular economy. Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering. 2021; 32 ():100680.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kerstin Kleinhans; Ruben Demets; Jo Dewulf; Kim Ragaert; Steven De Meester. 2021. "Non-household end-use plastics: the ‘forgotten’ plastics for the circular economy." Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering 32, no. : 100680.

Brief report
Published: 01 April 2021 in Sustainability
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The increased diversity and complexity of plastics used in modern devices, such as electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), can have negative impacts on their recyclability. Today, the main economic driver for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling stems from metal recovery. WEEE plastics recycling, on the other hand, still represents a major challenge. Strategies like design ‘for’, but also the much younger concept of design ‘from’ recycling play a key role in closing the material loops within a circular economy. While these strategies are usually analysed separately, this brief report harmonises them in comprehensive Design for Circularity guidelines, established in a multi-stakeholder collaboration with industry leaders from the entire WEEE value chain. The guidelines were developed at the product and part levels. They are divided in five categories: (1) avoidance of hazardous substances; (2) enabling easy access and removal of hazardous or polluting parts; (3) use of recyclable materials; (4) use of material combinations and connections allowing easy liberation; (5) use of recycled materials. These guidelines are the first harmonised set to be released for the EEE industry. They can readily serve decision-makers from different levels, including product designers and manufacturers as well as policymakers.

ACS Style

Anton Berwald; Gergana Dimitrova; Thijs Feenstra; Joop Onnekink; Harm Peters; Gianni Vyncke; Kim Ragaert. Design for Circularity Guidelines for the EEE Sector. Sustainability 2021, 13, 3923 .

AMA Style

Anton Berwald, Gergana Dimitrova, Thijs Feenstra, Joop Onnekink, Harm Peters, Gianni Vyncke, Kim Ragaert. Design for Circularity Guidelines for the EEE Sector. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (7):3923.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Anton Berwald; Gergana Dimitrova; Thijs Feenstra; Joop Onnekink; Harm Peters; Gianni Vyncke; Kim Ragaert. 2021. "Design for Circularity Guidelines for the EEE Sector." Sustainability 13, no. 7: 3923.

Article
Published: 25 February 2021 in Journal of Polymer Science
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The effectiveness of a compatibilizer is responsible for improved mechanical properties of immiscible blends. The enhanced interactions between the phases are assessed via critical plastic strain (onset of fine slip caused by local intra‐/interlamellar slip) and critical elastic strain (onset of fibrillation of crystalline skeleton). Polypropylene‐poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PP‐PET) blends were compatibilized with three maleic anhydride grafted compatibilizers with different backbones: PP, SEBS, and POE. Using this critical onset strain method, via free shrinkage experiments, allowed to identify the effect of PET on the matrix's deformation and also the different contributions of the compatibilizers to the deformation mechanisms. Results showed that PPgMAH promoted best PET's plastic deformation to the matrix, relative to the other compatibilizers. However, SEBSgMAH's elastomeric backbone provide better stress dissipation before onset of fibrillation compared to the binary blend and matrix. This method can be used as a way to assess the effectiveness of a compatibilizer in an immiscible blend.

ACS Style

Karen Van Kets; Laurens Delva; Kim Ragaert. Onset critical strains as an effective parameter for compatibilizer efficiency in a polypropylene ‐ poly(ethylene terephthalate) blend. Journal of Polymer Science 2021, 50656 .

AMA Style

Karen Van Kets, Laurens Delva, Kim Ragaert. Onset critical strains as an effective parameter for compatibilizer efficiency in a polypropylene ‐ poly(ethylene terephthalate) blend. Journal of Polymer Science. 2021; ():50656.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Karen Van Kets; Laurens Delva; Kim Ragaert. 2021. "Onset critical strains as an effective parameter for compatibilizer efficiency in a polypropylene ‐ poly(ethylene terephthalate) blend." Journal of Polymer Science , no. : 50656.

Journal article
Published: 12 January 2021 in Sustainability
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Several mixed recycled plastics, namely, mixed bilayer polypropylene/poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PP/PET) film, mixed polyolefins (MPO) and talc-filled PP were selected for this study and used as matrices for the preparation of microfibrillar composites (MFCs) with PET as reinforcement fibres. MFCs with recycled matrices were successfully prepared by a three-step processing (extrusion—cold drawing—injection moulding), although significant difficulties in processing were observed. Contrary to previous results with virgin PP, no outstanding mechanical properties were achieved; they showed little or almost no improvement compared to the properties of unreinforced recycled plastics. SEM characterisation showed a high level of PET fibre coalescence present in the MFC made from recycled PP/PET film, while in the other MFCs, a large heterogeneity of the microstructure was identified. Despite these disappointing results, the MFC concept remains an interesting approach for the upcycling of mixed polymer waste. However, the current study shows that the approach requires further in-depth investigations which consider various factors such as viscosity, heterogeneity, the presence of different additives and levels of degradation.

ACS Style

Maja Kuzmanović; Laurens Delva; Ludwig Cardon; Kim Ragaert. The Feasibility of Using the MFC Concept to Upcycle Mixed Recycled Plastics. Sustainability 2021, 13, 689 .

AMA Style

Maja Kuzmanović, Laurens Delva, Ludwig Cardon, Kim Ragaert. The Feasibility of Using the MFC Concept to Upcycle Mixed Recycled Plastics. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (2):689.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Maja Kuzmanović; Laurens Delva; Ludwig Cardon; Kim Ragaert. 2021. "The Feasibility of Using the MFC Concept to Upcycle Mixed Recycled Plastics." Sustainability 13, no. 2: 689.

Journal article
Published: 30 November 2020 in Sustainability
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The current Dutch recycling value chain for plastic packaging waste (PPW) has not reached its full circularity potential, as is apparent from two Circular Performance Indicators (CPIs): net packaging recycling rate and average polymer purity of the recycled plastics. The performance of the recycling value chain can be optimised at four stages: packaging design, collection, sorting, and recycling. This study explores the maximally achievable performance of a circular PPW recycling value chain, in case all stakeholders would implement the required radical improvement measures in a concerted action. The effects of the measures were modelled with material flow analysis. For such a utopic scenario, a net plastic packaging recycling rate of 72% can be attained and the produced recycled plastics will have an average polymeric purity of 97%. This is substantially more than the net packaging recycling rate of 37% for 2017 and will exceed the EU target of 50% for 2025. In such an ideal circular value chain more recycled plastics are produced for more demanding applications, such as food packaging, compared to the current recycling value chain. However, all stakeholders would need to implement drastic and coordinated changes, signifying unprecedented investments, to achieve this optimal circular PPW recycling value chain.

ACS Style

Marieke Brouwer; Eggo Thoden Van Velzen; Kim Ragaert; Roland Ten Klooster. Technical Limits in Circularity for Plastic Packages. Sustainability 2020, 12, 21 .

AMA Style

Marieke Brouwer, Eggo Thoden Van Velzen, Kim Ragaert, Roland Ten Klooster. Technical Limits in Circularity for Plastic Packages. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (23):21.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marieke Brouwer; Eggo Thoden Van Velzen; Kim Ragaert; Roland Ten Klooster. 2020. "Technical Limits in Circularity for Plastic Packages." Sustainability 12, no. 23: 21.

Review
Published: 16 November 2020 in Advanced Materials
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The relationship between processing, morphology, and properties of polymeric materials has been the subject of numerous studies of academic and industrial research. Finding an answer to this question might result in guidelines on how to design polymeric materials. Microfibrillar composites (MFCs) are an interesting class of polymer–polymer composites. The advantage of the MFC concept lies in developing in situ microfibrils by which a perfect homogeneous distribution of the reinforcement in the matrix can be achieved. Their potentially excellent mechanical properties are strongly dependent on the aspect ratio of the fibrils, which is developed through a three‐stage production process: melt blending, fibrillation, and isotropization. During melt blending, the polymers undergo different morphological changes, such as a breakup and coalescence of the droplets, which play a crucial role in defining the microstructure. During processing, various parameters may affect the morphology of the MFCs, which must be taken into account. Besides the processing parameters, the microstructure of the composite is dependent on the composition ratio of the blend and viscosity of the components, as well as the dispersion and distribution of the microfibrils. The objective here is to outline this importance and bring together an overview of the processing–structure–property relationship for MFCs.

ACS Style

Maja Kuzmanović; Laurens Delva; Ludwig Cardon; Kim Ragaert. Relationship between the Processing, Structure, and Properties of Microfibrillar Composites. Advanced Materials 2020, 32, e2003938 .

AMA Style

Maja Kuzmanović, Laurens Delva, Ludwig Cardon, Kim Ragaert. Relationship between the Processing, Structure, and Properties of Microfibrillar Composites. Advanced Materials. 2020; 32 (52):e2003938.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Maja Kuzmanović; Laurens Delva; Ludwig Cardon; Kim Ragaert. 2020. "Relationship between the Processing, Structure, and Properties of Microfibrillar Composites." Advanced Materials 32, no. 52: e2003938.

Article
Published: 18 October 2020 in Journal of Polymer Science
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This study assesses thermal and morphological stabilization of three compatibilizers during mechanical recycling of polymer blends. Polypropylene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) blends compatibilized with three different maleic anhydride grafted compatibilizers were extruded five times via single‐screw extrusion. The backbones of the compatibilizers are (1) polypropylene‐based, (2) an elastomer block copolymer poly(styrene‐co‐[ethylene‐butylene]‐styrene), and (3) a polyolefin elastomer. The degradation and retained functionality of these compatibilizers was assessed by means of simultaneous thermo‐gravimetric analysis, melt flow index, a morphology study, differential scanning calorimetry and tensile testing. The results show that degradation of the compatibilized blends during multiple processing is low, although the core stability of the blends depends on the initial stability of all of the components in the blend. The thermal stability across the five extrusions was the most favorable for the matrix based grafted compatibilized blend. The functionality of the compatibilizers did show minor morphological destabilization but did not affect the mechanical properties.

ACS Style

Karen Van Kets; Justien Jacques; Laurens Delva; Kim Ragaert. Contribution of compatibilizer backbone to degradation and retained functionality of multiple extruded polypropylene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) blends. Journal of Polymer Science 2020, 138, 1 .

AMA Style

Karen Van Kets, Justien Jacques, Laurens Delva, Kim Ragaert. Contribution of compatibilizer backbone to degradation and retained functionality of multiple extruded polypropylene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) blends. Journal of Polymer Science. 2020; 138 (12):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Karen Van Kets; Justien Jacques; Laurens Delva; Kim Ragaert. 2020. "Contribution of compatibilizer backbone to degradation and retained functionality of multiple extruded polypropylene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) blends." Journal of Polymer Science 138, no. 12: 1.

Articles
Published: 17 August 2020 in Plastics, Rubber and Composites
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The reinforcement of recycled polypropylene (rPP) with mineral fillers, to obtain modulus values of 3000–4000 MPa has proven challenging for recyclers, whereas this is common practice for virgin PP. The main difference between recycled and virgin PP is the contaminating presence of other polymers. In this study, the composition of rPP sourced from electrical and electronic waste was analytically estimated. The rPP was found to be a PP/HDPE blend with ca. 90/10 m% ratio. Furthermore, the effect of HDPE on the thermal and physical properties of talc-filled PP was investigated by means of re-engineered blends and talc-filled compounds. It was found that HDPE has a profound effect on the degree to which rPP can be reinforced by talc. However, the quantified effects of the HDPE alone were not of sufficient magnitude to account for the full difference in properties between talc-filled rPP and virgin PP.

ACS Style

Gianni Vyncke; Rudinei Fiorio; Ludwig Cardon; Kim Ragaert. The effect of polyethylene on the properties of talc-filled recycled polypropylene. Plastics, Rubber and Composites 2020, 1 -8.

AMA Style

Gianni Vyncke, Rudinei Fiorio, Ludwig Cardon, Kim Ragaert. The effect of polyethylene on the properties of talc-filled recycled polypropylene. Plastics, Rubber and Composites. 2020; ():1-8.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Gianni Vyncke; Rudinei Fiorio; Ludwig Cardon; Kim Ragaert. 2020. "The effect of polyethylene on the properties of talc-filled recycled polypropylene." Plastics, Rubber and Composites , no. : 1-8.

Journal article
Published: 18 July 2020 in Waste Management
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Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a widespread tool used to guide decision-makers towards optimal strategic choices for sustainable growth. A key aspect of LCA studies of waste management systems where recycling activities are present is to account for resource recovery and the related substitution effects. Although multiple scientific papers assume a 1:1 substitution ratio between similar materials/products, this is often incorrect as the actual ratio is likely to vary. The focus of this paper is on the calculation of the substitutability coefficient for secondary materials based on technical characteristics. A state of the art literature review showed that many different calculation procedures were applied, which led to a wide variety of substitutability coefficients (sometimes provided under different terminology). In this perspective, the objective of this paper is to provide guidelines on the procedure to be followed to calculate the substitutability coefficient for secondary materials, based on technical characteristics. These guidelines are then applied to two waste management case studies, one dealing with bottom ashes from incineration and the other with plastic waste. In total, sixteen technical substitutability coefficients are given for ten secondary materials, based on state of the art and presented case studies. The paper thus represents a step forward in quantifying the substitutability of secondary materials in waste management LCA studies. The guidelines presented may allow other case studies to enrich the list of coefficients, useful for all LCA practitioners in a harmonized way allowing a more correct evaluation of the environmental impacts associated with recycling activities.

ACS Style

L. Rigamonti; S.E. Taelman; S. Huysveld; S. Sfez; K. Ragaert; J. Dewulf. A step forward in quantifying the substitutability of secondary materials in waste management life cycle assessment studies. Waste Management 2020, 114, 331 -340.

AMA Style

L. Rigamonti, S.E. Taelman, S. Huysveld, S. Sfez, K. Ragaert, J. Dewulf. A step forward in quantifying the substitutability of secondary materials in waste management life cycle assessment studies. Waste Management. 2020; 114 ():331-340.

Chicago/Turabian Style

L. Rigamonti; S.E. Taelman; S. Huysveld; S. Sfez; K. Ragaert; J. Dewulf. 2020. "A step forward in quantifying the substitutability of secondary materials in waste management life cycle assessment studies." Waste Management 114, no. : 331-340.

Journal article
Published: 20 May 2020 in Polymers
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The mixing of polymers, even structurally similar polyolefins, inevitably leads to blend systems with a phase-separated morphology. Fundamentally understanding the changes in mechanical properties and occurring deformation mechanisms of these immiscible polymer blends, is important with respect to potential mechanical recycling. This work focuses on the behavior of binary blends of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP) under tensile deformation and their related changes in crystallinity and morphology. All of these polymers plastically deform by shear yielding. When unmixed, the high crystalline polyolefins HDPE and PP both exhibit a progressive necking phenomenon. LDPE initiates a local neck before material failure, while LLDPE is characterized by a uniform deformation as well as clear strain hardening. LLDPE/LDPE and LLDPE/PP combinations both exhibit a clear-cut matrix switchover. Polymer blends LLDPE/LDPE, LDPE/HDPE, and LDPE/PP show transition forms with features of composing materials. Combining PP in an HDPE matrix causes a radical switch to brittle behavior.

ACS Style

Astrid Van Belle; Ruben DeMets; Nicolas Mys; Karen Van Kets; Jo Dewulf; Kevin Van Geem; Steven De Meester; Kim Ragaert. Microstructural Contributions of Different Polyolefins to the Deformation Mechanisms of Their Binary Blends. Polymers 2020, 12, 1171 .

AMA Style

Astrid Van Belle, Ruben DeMets, Nicolas Mys, Karen Van Kets, Jo Dewulf, Kevin Van Geem, Steven De Meester, Kim Ragaert. Microstructural Contributions of Different Polyolefins to the Deformation Mechanisms of Their Binary Blends. Polymers. 2020; 12 (5):1171.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Astrid Van Belle; Ruben DeMets; Nicolas Mys; Karen Van Kets; Jo Dewulf; Kevin Van Geem; Steven De Meester; Kim Ragaert. 2020. "Microstructural Contributions of Different Polyolefins to the Deformation Mechanisms of Their Binary Blends." Polymers 12, no. 5: 1171.

Journal article
Published: 04 March 2020 in Sustainability
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As designing with recycled materials is becoming indispensable in the context of a circular economy, we argue that understanding how recycled plastics are perceived by stakeholders involved in the front end of the design process, is essential to achieve successful application in practice, beyond the current concept of surrogates according to industry. Based on existing frameworks, 34 experiential scales with semantic opposites were used to evaluate samples of three exemplary recycled plastics by two main industrial stakeholders: 30 material engineers and 30 designers. We describe four analyses: (i) defining experiential material characteristics, (ii) significant differences between the materials, (iii) level of agreement of respondents, and (iv) similarities and differences between designers and engineers. We conclude that the three materials have different perceptual profiles or identities that can initiate future idea generation for high-quality applications. The study illustrates the potential of this evaluation method. We propose that designers can facilitate the valorization and adoption of these undervalued recycled materials, first by industry and ultimately by consumers as well.

ACS Style

Lore Veelaert; Els Du Bois; Ingrid Moons; Patrick De Pelsmacker; Sara Hubo; Kim Ragaert. The Identity of Recycled Plastics: A Vocabulary of Perception. Sustainability 2020, 12, 1953 .

AMA Style

Lore Veelaert, Els Du Bois, Ingrid Moons, Patrick De Pelsmacker, Sara Hubo, Kim Ragaert. The Identity of Recycled Plastics: A Vocabulary of Perception. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (5):1953.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lore Veelaert; Els Du Bois; Ingrid Moons; Patrick De Pelsmacker; Sara Hubo; Kim Ragaert. 2020. "The Identity of Recycled Plastics: A Vocabulary of Perception." Sustainability 12, no. 5: 1953.

Journal article
Published: 23 December 2019 in Resources, Conservation and Recycling
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With today’s continued drive to increase recycling rates of plastics, the low-hanging fruit of clean mono-streams of plastic waste has long since been picked. If Europe’s ambitious recycling targets are to be met, plastics waste streams that have until now been labeled ‘problematic’ and have consistently been sent to incineration, must be considered as well. One such stream is the sink fraction obtained from float-sink sorting of mixed post-consumer packaging waste. It is a very complex stream in terms of composition. Moreover, it contains a sizeable amount of PVC, which is considered detrimental to further mechanical recycling of any mixed plastic waste. Within the current research, the sink fraction was extensively analyzed for composition and mechanical properties, as well as treated for removal of PVC and non-ferrous metals. Subsequently, the Design from Recycling strategy was applied to successfully develop a new product with this material, called the Greentile. The Greentile was effectively manufactured and found to be a useful construction element for slanted green roofs.

ACS Style

Kim Ragaert; Sophie Huysveld; Gianni Vyncke; Sara Hubo; Lore Veelaert; Jo Dewulf; Els Du Bois. Design from recycling: A complex mixed plastic waste case study. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 2019, 155, 104646 .

AMA Style

Kim Ragaert, Sophie Huysveld, Gianni Vyncke, Sara Hubo, Lore Veelaert, Jo Dewulf, Els Du Bois. Design from recycling: A complex mixed plastic waste case study. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 2019; 155 ():104646.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kim Ragaert; Sophie Huysveld; Gianni Vyncke; Sara Hubo; Lore Veelaert; Jo Dewulf; Els Du Bois. 2019. "Design from recycling: A complex mixed plastic waste case study." Resources, Conservation and Recycling 155, no. : 104646.

Journal article
Published: 17 May 2019 in Polymer Degradation and Stability
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The stabilising effect of a compatibiliser for long term mechanical recycling of polymer blends is assessed. A polypropylene (PP)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) blend and their mono-materials were multiple extruded (5 times). A fourth set was made with the addition of a compatibiliser block copolymer poly(styrene-co-(ethylene-butylene)- styrene) grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBSgMAH) in order to evaluate the (lack of) progressive degradation effects and the morphology stabilisation of adding the compatibiliser. After the third reprocessing cycle Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed a severe destabilisation of the PP-PET blends while there was only minor destabilisation observed for the compatibilized mix. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) highlighted an increase in PET's crystallinity enthalpy for every set. This increase was less prominent for the compatibilised blend because fractionated crystallisation occurred. Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) and rotational rheology confirmed that the degradation was less severe for the compatibilised blend. The demixing and degradation resulted in changed mechanical properties shown by a decreased strain at break and strain at yield. This decrease was more pronounced in the uncompatibilised blend than in the compatibilised blend over the five extrusions, thus confirming the stabilisation of the ternary blend.

ACS Style

Karen Van Kets; Laurens Delva; Kim Ragaert. Structural stabilizing effect of SEBSgMAH on a PP-PET blend for multiple mechanical recycling. Polymer Degradation and Stability 2019, 166, 60 -72.

AMA Style

Karen Van Kets, Laurens Delva, Kim Ragaert. Structural stabilizing effect of SEBSgMAH on a PP-PET blend for multiple mechanical recycling. Polymer Degradation and Stability. 2019; 166 ():60-72.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Karen Van Kets; Laurens Delva; Kim Ragaert. 2019. "Structural stabilizing effect of SEBSgMAH on a PP-PET blend for multiple mechanical recycling." Polymer Degradation and Stability 166, no. : 60-72.

Journal article
Published: 02 February 2019 in Polymers
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In situ microfibrillation and multiflow vibrate injection molding (MFVIM) technologies were combined to control the phase morphology of blended polypropylene (PP) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), wherein PP is the majority phase. Four kinds of phase structures were formed using different processing methods. As the PET content changes, the best choice of phase structure also changes. When the PP matrix is unoriented, oriented microfibrillar PET can increase the mechanical properties at an appropriate PET content. However, if the PP matrix is an oriented structure (shish-kebab), only the use of unoriented spherical PET can significantly improve the impact strength. Besides this, the compatibilizer polyolefin grafted maleic anhydride (POE-g-MA) can cover the PET in either spherical or microfibrillar shape to form a core–shell structure, which tends to improve both the yield and impact strength. We focused on the influence of all composing aspects—fibrillation of the dispersed PET, PP matrix crystalline morphology, and compatibilized interface—on the mechanical properties of PP/PET blends as well as potential synergies between these components. Overall, we provided a theoretical basis for the mechanical recycling of immiscible blends.

ACS Style

Dashan Mi; Yingxiong Wang; Maja Kuzmanovic; Laurens Delva; Yixin Jiang; Ludwig Cardon; Jie Zhang; Kim Ragaert. Effects of Phase Morphology on Mechanical Properties: Oriented/Unoriented PP Crystal Combination with Spherical/Microfibrillar PET Phase. Polymers 2019, 11, 248 .

AMA Style

Dashan Mi, Yingxiong Wang, Maja Kuzmanovic, Laurens Delva, Yixin Jiang, Ludwig Cardon, Jie Zhang, Kim Ragaert. Effects of Phase Morphology on Mechanical Properties: Oriented/Unoriented PP Crystal Combination with Spherical/Microfibrillar PET Phase. Polymers. 2019; 11 (2):248.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dashan Mi; Yingxiong Wang; Maja Kuzmanovic; Laurens Delva; Yixin Jiang; Ludwig Cardon; Jie Zhang; Kim Ragaert. 2019. "Effects of Phase Morphology on Mechanical Properties: Oriented/Unoriented PP Crystal Combination with Spherical/Microfibrillar PET Phase." Polymers 11, no. 2: 248.

Journal article
Published: 25 December 2018 in Polymers
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In the present work, statistical analysis (16 processing conditions and 2 virgin unmodified samples) is performed to study the influence of antioxidants (AOs) during acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer (ABS) melt-blending (220 °C) on the degradation of the polybutadiene (PB) rich phase, the oxidation onset temperature (OOT), the oxidation peak temperature (OP), and the yellowing index (YI). Predictive equations are constructed, with a focus on three commercial AOs (two primary: Irganox 1076 and 245; and one secondary: Irgafos 168) and two commercial ABS types (mass- and emulsion-polymerized). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results indicate that the nitrile absorption peak at 2237 cm-1 is recommended as reference peak to identify chemical changes in the PB content. The melt processing of unmodified ABSs promotes a reduction in OOT and OP, and promotes an increase in the YI. ABS obtained by mass polymerization shows a higher thermal-oxidative stability. The addition of a primary AO increases the thermal-oxidative stability, whereas the secondary AO only increases OP. The addition of the two primary AOs has a synergetic effect resulting in higher OOT and OP values. Statistical analysis shows that OP data are influenced by all three AO types, but 0.2 m% of Irganox 1076 displays high potential in an industrial context.

ACS Style

Rudinei Fiorio; Dagmar R. D’Hooge; Kim Ragaert; Ludwig Cardon. A Statistical Analysis on the Effect of Antioxidants on the Thermal-Oxidative Stability of Commercial Mass- and Emulsion-Polymerized ABS. Polymers 2018, 11, 25 .

AMA Style

Rudinei Fiorio, Dagmar R. D’Hooge, Kim Ragaert, Ludwig Cardon. A Statistical Analysis on the Effect of Antioxidants on the Thermal-Oxidative Stability of Commercial Mass- and Emulsion-Polymerized ABS. Polymers. 2018; 11 (1):25.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Rudinei Fiorio; Dagmar R. D’Hooge; Kim Ragaert; Ludwig Cardon. 2018. "A Statistical Analysis on the Effect of Antioxidants on the Thermal-Oxidative Stability of Commercial Mass- and Emulsion-Polymerized ABS." Polymers 11, no. 1: 25.

Review article
Published: 26 October 2018 in Waste Management
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Flame retardants are used in a wide range of plastics to extend the time-of-escape from fires. By definition, they are designed to perform this task only in case of a fire, which is then automatically the end of the plastic’s lifetime. However, not all flame retardant plastic products are eventually set on fire, which is why they are abundant in plastic waste, potentially interfering with the mechanical recycling systems in place. To date, there has been little information on the influence of flame retardant additives during the mechanical recycling of solid (thermo)plastic waste. This contribution provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the art concerning the mechanical recycling of flame retardants containing polymers and plastics. In a first part, this review discusses the effect of mechanical melt reprocessing on the flame retardant properties of different recycled thermoplastic polymers, addressing questions whether the flame retardant additives are still present and effective after recycling and whether they interfere with the mechanical recycling itself. Special attention is paid to Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment containing flame retardants. A second part of the review lists several upgrading strategies for common polymeric waste streams that consist of adding virgin flame retardants to recycled plastics with the purpose of bringing an additional value to the compound.

ACS Style

Laurens Delva; Sara Hubo; Ludwig Cardon; Kim Ragaert. On the role of flame retardants in mechanical recycling of solid plastic waste. Waste Management 2018, 82, 198 -206.

AMA Style

Laurens Delva, Sara Hubo, Ludwig Cardon, Kim Ragaert. On the role of flame retardants in mechanical recycling of solid plastic waste. Waste Management. 2018; 82 ():198-206.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Laurens Delva; Sara Hubo; Ludwig Cardon; Kim Ragaert. 2018. "On the role of flame retardants in mechanical recycling of solid plastic waste." Waste Management 82, no. : 198-206.