Second Life of Polymeric-Based Materials: Strategies and Performance

Abstract

Wastes from polymeric materials could be considered as resources to manufacturenew products by recycling. The properties of the as-obtained materials should be comparable to those of the virgin fossil-based plastics and also biopolymers. Several strategies are useful to achieve the required properties in order to introduce the recycled products into the market having competitive performance. Scientific knowledge related to different aspects of polymeric materials is a relevant tool to assure the performance of recycled products for new applications. Diverse strategies, able to upgrade the morphology and the properties of recycled materials, have been used in order to reach the desired quality/performance in those new applications. The aim of this chapter is to review the current developments in the recycling of plastics, giving ideas on how producing materials with desired quality from wastes contributes to a more sustainable management of energy and resources.