Ethylene-ethyl Acrylate Copolymer
Ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer is used in hot melt adhesives, composite film interlayer adhesives, sealing rings, packaging films, extrusion coating products, hoses, sheet profiles, wires and cables, resin modifiers, toys, containers, etc.
Physical and chemical properties
Ethyl acrylate content 15% to 30%. It has good flexibility, thermal stability and processability. It is better than low-density polyethylene in environmental stress cracking resistance, impact resistance, bending fatigue resistance and low temperature resistance. It has good compatibility with polyolefins and can be mixed with a large amount of fillers without becoming brittle.
Preparation method: Ethylene and acrylate are polymerized by free radicals using oxygen or peroxide as initiators. The production method is similar to that of high-pressure polyethylene.
Core advantages
A. Low temperature toughness
Still flexible at -50℃ (ordinary PE becomes brittle at -30℃)
B. Polar compatibility
Can be blended with polar materials such as PA and EVOH (ordinary PE requires a compatibilizer)
C. Processing friendly
High melt strength, suitable for film blowing (film bubble stability increased by 40%)
Recyclability of EEA plastics
Challenges in recycling
Despite the good physical properties and chemical stability of EEA plastics, there are still some challenges in the recycling process. First, the high polarity of EEA plastics makes it difficult to separate it from non-polar plastics such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). In addition, the application of EEA plastics in food and medical packaging means that they need to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before recycling to remove residues and contaminants.
Recycling methods
The recycling of EEA plastics usually includes the following steps:
A. Collection: EEA plastic waste needs to be properly collected and sorted.
B. Cleaning: EEA plastics need to be cleaned and pre-treated to remove residues and contaminants.
C. Crushing: The cleaned EEA plastics will be broken into small pieces or particles for further processing.
D. Melting: Through the melting process, EEA plastics can be reprocessed into new plastic products.
Applications after recycling
Recycled EEA plastics can be used in a variety of applications, including but not limited to:
A. Recycled plastic products: Recycled EEA plastics can be reprocessed into packaging materials, containers and other plastic products.
B. Building materials: In some cases, recycled EEA plastics can be used to make building materials, such as soundproofing or insulation.
C. Industrial uses: Recycled materials of EEA plastics can also be used for industrial purposes, such as making pallets, turnover boxes, etc.
Improving the recyclability of EEA plastics
To improve the recyclability of EEA plastics, the following measures can be taken:
A. Design recyclable products: Consider their recyclability during the product design stage, use single materials that are easy to recycle or clearly mark the layers of different materials.
B. Public education: Raise public awareness of plastic recycling and encourage consumers to participate in recycling programs.
C. Improve recycling technology: Invest in the research and development of more efficient recycling technologies to better separate and process EEA plastics.
