Introduction[edit | edit source]
This page outlines the process of mixing granulated recycled polypropylene with soda-lime recycled glass powder using a metal pan on a hot plate. This process results in a composite of glass particles in a polypropylene matrix. Melting of the plastic is required for an even mixture due to the large difference in particle size between the plastic (d~ 1-3mm) and glass (d < 100 micron).
Safety[edit | edit source]
- safety glasses
- wear long pants (natural fibers recommended but not required)
- wear heat-resistant gloves when adding material to pan or mixing
- some gloves still conduct heat through them, so it is better to use a handheld grip such as plyers to hold the pan with the hand not used for mixing.
- turn on fume hood and use N95 dust mask when measuring/adding/mixing glass powder
Equipment or Bill of Materials[edit | edit source]
- safety glasses
- Thermolyne hot plate
- metal knife/spatula
- 7x2 inch round natural aluminum cake pan (non-coated)
- aluminum foil to cover top of pan
- heat resistant work gloves
- dust mask (when using glass)
- K-type thermocouple & reader
- polypropylene granulated from wood chipper
- glass powder
- timer of some sort
- ziploc bags to put material in once cooled
Calibration & Tolerances[edit | edit source]
Operation & Procedure[edit | edit source]
- turn on hot plate to 5 for heat setting.
- place glass container on hot plate with thermocouple touching bottom of container and watchglass on top, facing downward as lid.
- when thermocouple reads 160 deg Celsius, add polypropylene (PP) and glass powder
- if the PP and glass are added at the same time and heated together, an oxidation reaction will likely occur
- for record-keeping purposes, time how long it takes to melt the plastic/composite.
Shutdown[edit | edit source]
- trun off hot plate and let it cool down
- also allow composite to cool down after use
References[edit | edit source]
