Behavioral variation by ionizing irradiation of recycled thermoplastic elastomer reinforced with natural fibers or inorganic fillers

Plastics are organic polymeric materials consisting of giant organic molecules. Plastic materials can be formed into shapes by one of a variety of processes, such as extrusion, molding, casting or spinning. Modern plastics possess a number of extremely desirable characteristics; high strength to weight ratio, excellent thermal properties, electrical insulation, resistance to acids, alkalis and solvents. These polymers are made of a series of repeating units known as monomers. The structure and degree of polymerisation of a given polymer determine its characteristics. Linear polymers, a single linear chain of monomers, and branched polymers, linear with side chains, are thermoplastic that is they soften when heated. Thermoplastics make up 80% of the plastics produced today. Examples of thermoplastics include: • High density polyethylene (HDPE) used in piping, automotive fuel tanks, bottles, toys, • Low density polyethylene (LDPE) used in plastic bags, cling film, flexible containers; • Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) used in bottles, carpets and food packaging; • Polypropylene (PP) used in food containers, battery cases, bottle crates, automotive parts and fibers; • Polystyrene (PS) used in dairy product containers, tape cassettes, cups and plates; • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used in window frames, flooring, bottles, packaging film, cable insulation, credit cards and medical products.