Data are presented to show that a well designed system can reduce stabilization costs. The next two chapters deal with successful, commercial operations. In one, fully automated, developed by VEKA in Germany, complete PVC windows containing PVC, glass, metal, and rubber are recycled. No dismantling of the window is needed. Another process, developed by Solvay in Belgium, recycles PVC bottles and pipes and the properties of products made from this recycled material are equal those of the original polymers.
Several chapters are devoted to the technology of processing mixed plastic waste.
Emphasis is placed on degradation, morphological structure, molecular weight and branching of component polymers and the effects of these factors on the performance of blends of recycled polymers. Several methods of compatibilization are covered. These include selection of compatibilizers and cost-effective methods of their production. Also method of mechanical dispersion is proposed as an alternative to chemical compatibilization. The blend obtained by this technology has excellent performance characteristics.