Polymer grades of ABS, PE, PP, recycled from end-of-life automotive and WEEE resources

New polymer grades of ABS, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), recycled from end-of-life automotive and WEEE resources, have been introduced by Axion Polymers, following further investment in its plastics refinery plant to increase extrusion capacity and improve melt filtration technology. The Salford-based recycling specialist is one of a few companies in the UK to offer post-consumer recycled ABS engineering polymer and claims its Axpoly® ABS52 1000 offers significant carbon savings of 70% when compared with virgin plastics. Axpoly® ABS52 1000 is a tough plastic suitable for moulding parts that require durability, longevity, strong puncture strength and good dimensional stability, such as automotive trim components like car wing mirrors and car bumpers. With good electrical insulation properties, it is suitable for use in enclosures for domestic products like vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. Axion also offers variations on the standard grade’s physical properties to suit customers’ specific requirements, such as flame retardant versions. This polymer is currently being used in the development of new applications for customers „who value these tough material properties“ and are seeking an „economic solution with high environmental benefits“, according to Steve Bell, Axion Polymers Commercial Operations Manager. Potential customers are invited to challenge Axion’s in-house technical team by sending them the polymer physical requirements required for their application. Offering carbon savings of 53 per cent versus virgin grades, Axpoly® PE51 1090 is a new grade of polyethylene with properties similar to HDPE. It is suitable for products such as pallets, boxes and shipping containers or other general purpose moulded items where durability and good water resistance is required. The recently-developed high flexural modulus polypropylene, Axpoly® PP51 1093 has excellent strength to withstand an applied top load without flexing. It is ideal for construction and civil engineering applications, such as internal support structures for rainwater drainage tanks. Steve Bell adds: “As a new engineering polymer, Axpoly® PP51 1093 is an innovative example of a customer-driven variant of Axion’s standard PP grade – Axpoly® PP51 1000 – and demonstrates how we can tailor-make compounds to meet challenges from our customer base.” Axpoly® PP51 1000 standard grade is widely used in a range of versatile applications, including automotive components, packaging, pipes, drainage goods, flower pots and general purpose items from loudspeakers to hinges.