LINPAC Plastics Recycling Receives Official Approval from General Motors
Plastics Recycling For the Automotive Industry
LINPAC Plastics Recycling received official approval from General Motors to supply their A65T20 grade of 20% talc filled Polypropylene compound from May 2000. This compound is used to fabricate the splashshield on the Vauxhall Astra in the UK. The project had to cross significant obstacles including the need to be UV stable and survive heat aging at 150°C for 168 hours, without embrittlement or discolouration. Both hurdles were crossed through close cooperation with the customer, and by enhancing the compounds performance with the latest additive packages developed for stabilisation of polypropylene in this sector.
This enabled LINPAC Plastics Recycling to produce this particular polymer to the same specification as the original polymer made from virgin material (prime).
| Property Test | Test Method | Units | Average | Value Range |
| Melt flow index, 230°C | ISO 1133 2.16kg | grms/600 secs | 17 | 15- 20 |
| Flexural Modulus | ISO 178, 2mm per min | MPa | 2600 | 2400-2800 |
| Tensile Strength | ISO 527, 50mm per min | MPa | 25 | 23-27 |
| Elongation | ISO 527, 50mm per min | % | 14 | 12-16 |
| Izod Impact Strength | ISO 180/1A, 23°C | kJ/m2 | 4 | 3-5 |
| Specific Gravity | ISO R1183 | kg/m3 | 1.04 | 1.02-1.06 |
| Talc Content | - | % | 20 | 15-25 |
| Mould Shrinkage | Typical Design Value | % | 1 | 0.8-1.4 |
| Heat Distortion | ISO 75B (0.45Mpa) | °C | 115 | 110-120 |
This deal was achieved through moulder/reprocesser partnership working to overcome the issues and challenges of this unique project together, allied with the determination of General Motors to continue to progress towards recycled content targets.
