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The Recycling Basics of Solid Polycarbonate Sheets
Being able to responsibly recycle materials used in manufacturing and other industries is becoming an important consideration as we have increasing awareness of the impact we can have on the environment. You want a material that is effective, but also that can be recycled and make as little impact as possible. Polycarbonate sheets are quite strong and resistant to impact, but also completely recyclable.
How recyclable is it?
Polycarbonate sheets are 100 percent recyclable. Once you’re done using them, they can be completely recycled and made into new material. This material can be used for a variety of applications, which makes it a good alternative to many other options that may not be as highly recyclable.
Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic, which comes from how it responds to heat. Thermoplastics can be heated, cooled, and heated again and avoid significant degradation unlike thermoset plastics, which can be heated once before their chemical composition changes. Heating thermoset plastics further causes them to burn and makes recycling virtually worthless. Thermoplastics can be recycled because they can be liquefied and then effectively recycled.
What is the recycling process?
As mentioned above, in order to be recycled, thermoplastics must be heated to the point where they melt – for polycarbonate, that point is 311 degrees Fahrenheit. They are then injection molded, which allows them to be easily recycled. Injection molding is a manufacturing process that takes molten material and injects it into a mold, allowing it to cool and form to that new shape. When recycling polycarbonate, the material that’s molten would be the polycarbonate after it’s melted down. Polycarbonate retains its integrity and can be melted down and shaped multiple times. This characteristic makes it ideal for recycling and means it can be used in a new way once its initial use is over.
Where can you take it to be recycled?
You can recycle polycarbonate sheets at certain locations, commonly through buyback programs at manufacturers. At Ug Plast, we provide recycling support to ensure that your polycarbonate does not end up in a landfill. If you are not located close to us, check with local manufacturers and recycling centers to find out where you can take your polycarbonate sheets for recycling.
Now that you know how easily recyclable polycarbonate sheets are, you may be looking to use them in your next project. Find out the many ways you can utilize them and reach out to US Plast today to find polycarbonate sheets ideal for your business.
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