Effect of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) core layer on the mechanical properties of three-layer poly(ethylene terephthalate) films

Abstract

We report a comparative analysis of three-layered poly(ethylene terephthalate) films. The first set of three-layered films was prepared entirely from virgin poly(ethylene terephthalate). The second set of films was prepared from a recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) core layer and virgin poly(ethylene terephthalate) skin layers. The resistance of the films to impact was tested using the free falling drop dart method. The selected strength properties of various thicknesses of these films were also tested. It was shown that the poly(ethylene terephthalate) film containing a layer of recycled polymer has properties similar to the film obtained from virgin polymer and can thus be successfully used in the manufacturing of packaging materials.