Title: Direct Extruded 100 % Recycled Pet Foam Core: The New Standard for Versatile and Sustainable Foam Core

Authors: Yoni Mercier

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/c.24.0339

Abstract: "PET foam cores, and specifically welded recycled PET foam cores, are nowadays well known across all industries. Its mechanical properties with minimal fluctuations, its high fatigue resistance and its sustainability aspect are just some of the advantages that make recycled PET one of the most interesting foam cores on the market and the preferred choice for replacing other foam cores such as PVC, Balsa wood and SAN foam. The main 2 categories are well known: standard rPET foam core, and the newer improved rPET foam core, with improved cell structure. But another product in the PET family is gaining some well-deserved traction: direct extruded recycled PET foam core. From the automotive to the B&C market, with a density available from 50 to 315 kg/m3, its versatility is making it a premium material for various applications. It still boasts the classic advantages from welded PET foam core: the combination of excellent fatigue properties, very good temperature stability compared with most other foam cores as well as excellent compatibility with all resins and manufacturing methods due to its semi-crystalline structure. On top of that, direct extruded rPET foam cores present long-term insulation, structural performances and intrinsic properties which prevents degradation by moisture, rodents, and insects, to support industries environmental and sustainability directives while minimizing maintenance and repair costs. It recently reached a new milestone, with an independently verified Global Warming Potential value of 23.2 kg CO2 eq/m³ for the lowest density. In this technical paper, we will review its properties and compare them to the two other rPET foam core to understand how direct extruded rPET foam core is slowly becoming a new standard for versatile and sustainable foam core."

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Conference: CAMX 2024 | San Diego CA

Publication Date: 2024/9/9

SKU: TP24-0000000339

Pages: 11

Price: $22.00