elongation at break [11,16].

However, in contrast, a lower tensile strength (here yield

Recycling 2021, 6, 76
stress) was observed with more extrusion cycles [13]. Virgin PP has a higher resistance3 of 11
to
break due to its higher molecular weight [30].
PP recyclates often contain traces of impurities such as other polymers (PA, PE, PET)
[39,40]. In such samples, lower tensile impact strength and strain but higher tensile
observed with more extrusion cycles [13]. Virgin PP has a higher resistance to break due to
strength and tensile modulus were observed [39].
its higher molecular weight [30].
PP recyclates often contain traces of impurities such as other polymers (PA, PE,
1.3.
PET)Intention
[39,40]. of
In This
suchStudy
samples, lower tensile impact strength and strain but higher tensile
strength and tensile modulus
The aim of this study was weretoobserved
compare [39].
the mechanical and rheological properties of
market-available recycled polypropylene (R-PP) with those of virgin polypropylene (V-
1.3. Intention of This Study
PP). We used the presented results of product data sheets and of various studies. Our
The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical and rheological properties
hypotheses were as follows:
of market-available recycled polypropylene (R-PP) with those of virgin polypropylene
(V-PP). We used the presented results of product data sheets and of various studies. Our
Hypothesis 1 (H1).
hypotheses were as R-PP has a higher MFR, tensile modulus, and yield strength compared to V-PP;
follows:

Hypothesis
Hypothesis 21(H2).
(H1).R-PP
R-PPhas
hasa alower elongation
higher at break
MFR, tensile and charpy
modulus, impact
and yield strength
strength compared to V-
compared
PP.
to V-PP;

Hypothesis ourR-PP
2 (H2).
We based has a loweron
assumption elongation at break and charpy
the phenomenon impact
of chain strengthwhich
scission, compared
causes a
to V-PP.
higher macromolecule mobility and therefore a higher crystallinity and lower elongation
at break.
We based our assumption on the phenomenon of chain scission, which causes a higher
macromolecule mobility and therefore a higher crystallinity and lower elongation at break.
2. Results and Discussion
2. Results
2.1. and Discussion
Rheological Properties (MFR)
2.1. Rheological Properties (MFR)
The melt flow rate (MFR) is a parameter that indicates the resistance to flow of a
The melt flow rate (MFR) is a parameter that indicates the resistance to flow of a
polymer melt (viscosity) at a particular temperature and applied force over a specified
polymer melt (viscosity) at a particular temperature and applied force over a specified
length of time. All values here were measured at 230 °C and with 2.16 kg weight. Full
length of time. All values here were measured at 230 ◦ C and with 2.16 kg weight. Full
viscosity
viscosity curves werenot
curves were notprovided
providedby by
thethe suppliers.
suppliers.
Figure
Figure 11 shows
showsthat
that both
both R-PP
R-PP andand
V-PPV-PP
MFR MFR
valuesvalues
spannedspanned
a broad a broad
range. range.
MFR R-PP
MFRR-
hada amedian
PPhad median value of 11 g/10 min (this means that 50% of the values collected for R-PP R-PP
value of 11 g/10 min (this means that 50% of the values collected for
were
were over 11 g/10
over 11 g/10 min)
min)while
whileMFRMFR had
had
V-PP
V-PP a median
a median value
value of 6.25
of 6.25 g/10g/10
min.min.

Figure 1. MFR values of recycled (R-PP) andvirgin polypropylene (V-PP) at 230 ◦ C and with 2.16 kg;
for data,
Figure 1. see
MFR Table S2. of recycled (R-PP) and virgin polypropylene (V-PP) at 230 °C and with 2.16
values
kg; for data, see Table S2.