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
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
safety glasses
Thermolyne hot plate
metal knife/spatula
150x75 mm pyrex glass container
watchglass (6 in. diameter)
heat resistant work gloves
dust mask (when using glass)
K-type thermocouple & reader
polypropylene granulated from wood chipper
glass powder
timer of some sort
Calibration & Tolerances
Operation & Procedure
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.
