Improving the homogeneity and mechanical properties of plastics waste contaminated by paper using a hydrolytic treatment

The plastics fraction obtained by sorting municipal solid waste, PFMW, often contains substantial quantities of paper. In some cases a paper content in excess of 50 X has been found. This makes reprocessing of such material exceedingly difficult. Not only has the final product an unacceptable appearance due to the inhomogeneity of the mixture. but also its mechanical properties are unsatisfactory, especially with regard to ductility. In addition there are processing difficulties. With certain types of industrial waste, as, for instance, trimmings of polyethylene/paper, similar problems are encountered.