News
Colloquium: Prof. Dr. Johan Verbeek
Using atmospheric plasma treatment for polymer modification during extrusion
New Zealand generates significant plastic waste, despite advances recycling. For an effective circular market, robust remanufacturing techniques and industry-wide engagement are vital. This research presents a transdisciplinary strategy; spanning engineering, marketing and design, to foster a sustainable plastics lifecycle. Technically, it focuses on atmospheric plasma modification during extrusion, which introduces reactive species into molten polymers. This process achieves bulk modification and better compatibilization in polymer blends, successfully enhancing blends of polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon. Key variables include working gas type, flow rate, torch-to-melt distance, and treatment time, with extrusion factors such as screw design, speed, feed rate, and temperature also critical. The findings demonstrate promising potential for plasma-enabled reactive extrusion in establishing circularity, while acknowledging ongoing challenges in scaling and implementation.
29.09.2025