Bioderived polymers from dienes for compatibilization and recycling of polyethylene and polypropylene mixed waste

Applications

• Recycling PE and PP
• Circular plastics economy

Technology Overview

Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) constitute almost 70% of the global plastics market. They offer many benefits in consumer products, and contribute to a rapidly growing reservoir of plastic waste, which are deposited in landfills and the environment. Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a bioderived block copolymer that can be synthesized with known commercial processes and used for the compatibilization of commercial PE and PP mixed plastic waste to yield tough blends with mechanical properties similar to those of the pure components.

Phase of Development

Desired Partnerships

• License
• Sponsored research
• Co-development

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Researchers

• Frank Bates, ScD Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
• Christopher Ellison, PhD Professor, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science