This research project concerns the recycling of thermoplastics and paint powders in the same formulation. Paint powders are solid formulations comprising a resin that polymerizes to form a thermoset or thermoplastic resin. The idea is based on the concept of in situ polymerization of these paints in a thermoplastic phase during the reactive extrusion process.
In terms of academic researches, the study will focus on several points:
- Study of polymerization kinetics using rheology, mainly to assess the match between polymerization times and extruder residence times.
- Study of mixing conditions between a molten polymer phase and a paint whose viscoelastic properties change with the degree of polymerization.
- Study of the in situ compatibility of the thermoplastic phase with the paint phase. Influence on the morphologies of these blends and their control.
- Study of the properties of the formulations thus developed: mainly mechanical properties.