RUG/Pennsylvania/State College/Waste Reclamation System
Current Progress
Penn State RUG has begun very preliminary initial research on a waste recramation system for turning polyethylene into filament. Further research will be conducted over coming semesters and information will be updated here.
Research
Materials
Different types of polyethylene are being considered as material choices. Polyethylene has a low melting point (between 248 and 265 degrees F), can be melted and reshaped repeatedly, non-toxic, and produces little to no fumes. Two different types are High Density (#2) and Low Density (#4).
Processing
Observations
A one gallon, HDPE, milk jug was cut into small pieces and placed in an electric oven. The temperature was raised to various temperatures above the melting point range between 248 and 265 degrees F. It was found that when heated beyond 300 degrees F the material begins to "brown". The material, when melted, was not a flowing liquid consistency but rather thick and pliable. This shows that the material will need to some how be forced or pulled to the tip in the forthcoming design.