Analysis of the Feasibility of Producing Injection Moulded Components from Mechanically Recycled Fishing Nets

Abstract

Global plastic production and consumption have increased due to its outstanding properties. Their widespread use is cause for concern, as most plastics deteriorate but never fully decompose, posing a risk to ecosystems. A large source of ocean plastic waste is "ghost gear", a result of intentional or accidental abandonment of fishing gear at sea. To reduce their impact, mechanical recycling is considered a viable option as it is an efficient recycling method in terms of time, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of producing injection moulded components from recycled fishing nets composed of polyamide 6 (PA6). The degradation in a marine environment allied with the mechanical recycling process was evaluated by comparing the physical and mechanical properties of injection moulded specimens of both recycled fishing nets and commercially available extruded PA6 plates. In addition, both materials were subjected to an additional mechanical recycling step (after the injection) to determine the impact on the properties of additional recycling cycles. Finally, the feasibility of injection moulding of cardholders was also studied. The physical and mechanical characterization concluded that the property values obtained in the tensile test and the density measurements of the recycled fishing nets are within the range of values established for the properties of an extruded, non-recycled PA 6, and that the effect of the second recycling on its properties was negligible. The marine degradation had a more significant impact on the tensile properties and Charpy notched impact strength than on the hardness and density values.