Recycled Materials: Research Shows That Polymer Adhesive Will Change The Way Of Plastic Recycling

Traditional adhesives used to attach labels often leave residues that hinder the recycling and reuse of plastics. A recent study highlighted a new adhesive that can be removed from plastic bottles and packaging before treatment, thus potentially improving the quality of recycled plastics.

Researchers in the chemistry department of Reading University have developed a polymer adhesive that will dissolve when exposed to alkaline or alkaline solutions. This keeps the label firmly attached during use, but is easy to remove during recycling, thus reducing pollution and improving recyclability.

Matthew Hyder, the main author of the study "The existing commercial adhesive is difficult to remove from the plastic surface due to its chemical composition. Our new polymer adhesive has been carefully designed to remove from the plastic surface when exposed to alkaline solution. By making labels that can be completely removed, we are helping to improve the quality of recycled plastic and its practicability in the next life."

The research was published in the journal Macromolecule last month, describing how researchers designed and produced a polyurethane, which contains a sulfonyl ethyl carbamate unit that can act as a chemical switch when exposed to certain substances. In the test, treating the polymer adhesive with alkaline solution will trigger this switch, making the loss of adhesion on various surfaces as high as 65%.

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In daily use, these adhesives may be as good as current commercial alternatives. After testing, they have sufficient strength on glass and aluminum surfaces at different temperatures, making them suitable for various purposes, from food containers to transport packages to electronic equipment.

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This development, jointly sponsored by Domino Printing Sciences PLC and Reading University, may change the waste treatment methods of many industries. By making it easier to separate different materials in the recycling process, the quality of recycled materials can be significantly improved, thus reducing the amount of waste that eventually enters the landfill.