PET Flake Clumping Evaluation according APR PET-S-08 (Association of Plastic Recyclers)
During processing, PET flakes can be exposed to heat above 190°C up to 220°C. It is important that PET flakes do not stick together and form hard clumps when exposed to high temperatures and filled into a hopper. PET clumps can cause bridging in feed systems that prevent material flow. This test method can be used in the laboratory to evaluate whether low-melting polymers or other sources of contamination are present in washed and eluted PET flakes that can form clumps of PET flakes under heated conditions.
In short — AI-generated
The PET Flake Clumping Evaluation tests whether PET flakes stick together when exposed to temperatures between 190°C and 220°C. In the laboratory, a sample of washed PET flakes is heated under defined conditions to simulate the thermal stress encountered during industrial processing.
The test result indicates whether the material contains low-melting contaminants that could cause clumping. This information helps developers ensure that the flakes flow reliably through feed systems and hoppers without causing blockages during production.
Text is AI-generated; based on test method data curated and verified by Innoform.