From polymeric waste to potential industrial product: Modification of recycled polycarbonate

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of simultaneous addition of chain extender and impact strength modifier on tribological, mechanical, thermomechanical and morphological properties of recycled polycarbonate (r-PC). Mechanical properties of the samples were evaluated by using essential work of fracture method and tensile tests. Tribological properties were investigated by means of adhesive wear test. Thermomechanical properties were investigated by using dynamic mechanical analysis. As a result of the study, different types of samples were obtained, which simultaneously contained chain extender and impact strength modifier and exhibit improved fracture toughness, adhesive wear performance, storage modulus and not deteriorated tensile strength compared to neat r-PC. Thus, in this study, a solution alternative for both the expanding of the usage area of r-PC and waste management of it has been presented.