New Compatibilizers to Enable Recycling Mixed Polyolefin Waste Streams

Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) are among the most common post-consumer plastics found in solid waste. Efficient mechanical recycling requires their separation, but this process is challenging due to their similar densities, making conventional methods like density separation ineffective. As a result, large volumes of mixed plastic waste remain unprocessed. The mechanical recycling of these mixed plastics is further hindered by poor interfacial adhesion between different polymer phases, limiting the quality and performance of the recycled material. Consequently, a significant portion of these plastics ends up in landfills. This project aims to explore the synergy between graphene and mixed plastic waste, focusing on the tailored functionalization of graphene as a compatibilizing agent. By enhancing interfacial interactions, this approach seeks to improve the recyclability of mixed polyolefin waste streams, contributing to a more sustainable and circular plastic economy.