Shape Memory Effects in Recycled PET Cups
Author Information
Author(s): Sava Ștefan-Dumitru, Pricop Bogdan, Popa Mihai, Lohan Nicoleta-Monica, Matcovschi Elena, Cimpoeșu Nicanor, Comăneci Radu-Ioachim, Bujoreanu Leandru-Gheorghe
Primary Institution: Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Romania
Hypothesis
Can 80% recycled PET thermoformed cups exhibit shape memory effects when heated?
Conclusion
The study found that the thermoformed cups developed both free-recovery and work-generating shape memory effects.
Supporting Evidence
- The cups developed a maximum free-recovery shape memory effect of 30%.
- The work-generating shape memory effect reached a maximum of 25%.
- The specific work output developed by a thermoformed cup was approximately 2.646 J/kg.
Takeaway
The cups made from recycled plastic can change shape when heated, which is a cool trick that helps them go back to their original form.
Methodology
The study involved heating and testing the shape memory behavior of thermoformed cups made from 80% recycled PET using various thermal and mechanical analysis methods.
Limitations
Further investigations are necessary to explore the relationship between failure modes in the material.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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