Glossary — Plastics recycling and engineering plastics
The world of engineering plastics and plastics recycling is characterized by specialized technical terms that are important for beginners and experts alike. As a leading manufacturer of sustainable engineering plastics, ENNEATECH would like to use this glossary to create transparency and promote understanding of our industry.
From ENTRON eco polyamide granules to ENNEAFIL concrete fibers — here you will find all the relevant terms relating to polyamides, recycling processes and sustainable plastics technologies explained in an easy-to-understand way. This reference work is aimed at customers, partners and anyone interested in learning more about the fascinating world of plastics recycling.
Additive
Additive that is added to plastics to improve or change certain properties. In the case of ENNEAFIL fibers, these are used as a concrete additive.
Aging resistance
Resistance of a plastic to changes over time due to environmental influences such as UV radiation, temperature or moisture.
Batch
Production batch or lot in which a certain quantity of material is processed under the same conditions.
Concrete additive
Additive for concrete to improve its properties. ENNEAFIL fibers serve as a sustainable concrete additive to increase strength.
Bio-based plastics
Plastics that are made entirely or partly from renewable raw materials.
Compound
Plastic compound consisting of a base polymer and various additives, optimized for special applications. ENNEATECH produces high-quality polyamide compounds.
CO₂ balance sheet
Total amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated during the manufacture and use of a product. Recycled plastics have a better carbon footprint.
Cradle-to-Cradle
Circular economy concept in which materials are continuously kept in biological or technical cycles.
Downcycling
Recycling process in which the material decreases in quality and is used for less demanding applications.
Thermoset
Plastic that is no longer deformable after curing, in contrast to thermoplastics such as polyamide.
ENTRON eco
Brand name for ENNEATECH’s sustainable polyamide granules and compounds made from recycled materials.
ENNEAFIL
Brand name for ENNEATECH’s polyamide fibers, which are used as a concrete additive to increase strength.
Extruder
Machine for the continuous shaping of plastics by melting and pressing through a nozzle.
Fiber
Fibrous material used to reinforce composite materials. ENNEAFIL fibers reinforce concrete.
Filler
Additive that is added to plastics to increase volume or reduce costs without affecting the main properties.
Granules
Small, granular plastic particles that serve as a starting material for further processing. ENTRON eco is supplied as granules.
Glass transition temperature
Temperature at which a plastic changes from a glassy to a rubbery state.
High-performance plastic
Plastic with special mechanical, thermal or chemical properties for demanding applications.
Hydrolysis
Chemical splitting of molecules by water, can occur with polyamides under certain conditions.
Injection Molding
Injection molding process for the production of plastic parts by injecting molten material into a mold.
ISO certification
International quality standards. ENNEATECH is certified according to various ISO standards (e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 50001).
Circular economy
Economic model that aims to use resources for as long as possible and minimize waste.
Plastic recycling
Process for recycling plastic waste into new products. ENNEATECH specializes in high-quality polyamide recycling.
Macrofiber
Larger fibers (>0.3 mm diameter) for concrete reinforcement, part of the ENNEAFIL range.
Mechanical recycling
Recycling process in which plastics are recycled through physical processes such as shredding and melting.
Microfiber
Very fine fibers (<0.3 mm diameter) for concrete reinforcement, part of the ENNEAFIL range.
Sustainability
Principle of responsible use of resources. ENNEATECH produces sustainable engineering plastics.
New goods quality
level of quality that recycled materials can achieve. ENTRON eco products achieve almost new goods quality.
PA 6
Polyamide 6, an engineering plastic with high strength and toughness, which ENNEATECH manufactures from recycled materials.
PA 6.6
Polyamide 6.6, an engineering plastic with even higher temperature resistance than PA 6.
Polyamide
Engineering plastic with excellent mechanical properties, ENNEATECH’s main material.
Post-consumer recycling
Recycling of plastic waste that has already been used by the end consumer.
Post-industrial recycling
Recycling production waste from industry before it reaches the end consumer.
Quality management
Systematic measures to ensure consistently high product quality. ENNEATECH is ISO 9001 certified.
Recyclate
Material obtained from recycling processes that serves as a raw material for new products.
Regranulate
Granulate obtained through recycling, which is used as a starting material for new plastic products.
Cracking
Formation of cracks in materials due to mechanical or thermal stress. ENNEAFIL fibers prevent cracking in concrete.
Injection molding
Process for manufacturing plastic parts by injecting molten material into a mold.
Steel reinforcement
Reinforcement of concrete with steel inserts. ENNEAFIL fibers can serve as a partial replacement.
Engineering plastics
High-quality plastics for demanding technical applications in automotive, mechanical and electrical engineering.
Thermoplastic
Plastic that becomes malleable when heated and retains its shape after cooling. Polyamides are thermoplastics.
Upcycling
Recycling process in which higher-value products are created from waste materials.
UV resistance
Resistance to damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.
Reinforcing fiber
Fibrous material to improve the mechanical properties of composite materials.
Processing temperature
Temperature range in which a plastic can be optimally processed.
Material properties
Characteristic physical and chemical properties of a material.
Recycling
Process of reusing materials or products.
Tensile strength
Maximum mechanical stress that a material can withstand before breaking.
Certification
Confirmation of compliance with certain standards by independent inspection bodies. ENNEATECH has various ISO,
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