ReZeoSorb

Adsorption behavior of zeolite in polymer and plastic recyclate for functionalisation and emission reduction

Natural zeolite is an inexpensive raw material with very special properties. Molecules can be attached to its microporous surface and released again. This effect can be used for the functionalization of plastics, e.g. for moisture absorption or odor reduction.

The aim of this project "ReZeoSorb" is to gain the necessary know-how about the properties of zeolite regarding adsorption and desorption, both for the zeolite itself and in a surrounding plastic matrix. The effect of zeolite in recycled plastics will also be investigated, as the possibilities of odour reduction is of great interest.

In order to characterize the mode of action, a method for the adsorption of different molecules onto the zeolite (which can also be pretreated in different ways) is first developed, and the adsorbed quantity is then determined by means of gas chromatography. From these results a statement can be made as to which molecules couple onto the zeolite surface.

In further steps, the incorporation of zeolite into different plastics will be investigated and the adsorption capacity in a plastic matrix, also depending on the zeolite content, will be analyzed using the previously developed method. For a holistic approach, the mechanical, chemical, thermal and rheological properties of the material mixtures will be determined. At the end of the project, tests will be carried out on the incorporation of zeolite into recyclates in order to investigate the influence of zeolite on total carbon emissions and bad odour.

The results will deliver a correlation between the adsorption behaviour of natural zeolite towards different molecules and in different surrounding matrices, thus providing the basis for an application for emission reduction and functionalization in plastic materials.

News

2021

Virtuelle OE Konferenz (28.04.2021)