Formulation and method for compatibilizing post-consumer recycled plastics using random copolymers

A method for compatibilizing post-consumer recycled plastics, the method comprising:

• synthesizing a random copolymer represented by the structural formula (A)n(B)m(C)p(D)q,
• wherein n, m, p, and q are independently no less than 1, the random copolymer comprises a soft and non-polar segment A in a pre-determined amount, a segment B with middle rigidity in a pre-determined amount, a hard segment C in a pre-determined amount, and a polar and reactive segment D in a pre-determined amount;
• wherein the synthesis includes radical polymerization followed by sediment separation in a solvent to isolate the desired random copolymer;
• preheating the post-consumer recycled plastics to remove residual moisture and facilitate uniform mixing during blending;
• blending the synthesized random copolymer with post-consumer recycled plastics containing mixed polymer types and incorporating a plurality of functional additives, such as impact modifier, antioxidants and stabilizers;
• processing the blended mixture through a plurality of recycling process and a plurality of recycling and plastic processes selected from extrusion, film blowing, and injection molding;
• and
• adjusting processing parameters, including temperature and shear rate, to align with the thermal stability of the recycled plastics and the random copolymer and ensure compatibility during recycling.