Recycling of Cross-linked HDPE through Rotomolding**

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Acrylon Plastics Inc. is the largest rotomolder in North America and uses rotomolding to manufacture large and hollow polymer parts with thin wall thickness, such as large fuel tanks and unsupported tanks. It uses cross-linkable high-density polyethylene (XHDPE) to manufacture these parts. The cross-linking achieved in this material, during the manufacturing process, results in improved barrier resistance to vapors, in addition to high deflection temperatures under load. However, it also renders the material non-recyclable. Acrylon sends the industrial waste, generated during manufacturing, to landfills in North America, at considerable disposal cost and material cost (due to wastage). Hence, this research project is proposed to understand the issues related to reusing this waste through rotomolding and develop material and process conditions that would enable reuse of this material through rotomolding to manufacture the same or different parts. The envisaged benefits include reduction in the cost of disposal and material wastage for Acrylon and reduction in diversion of waste to landfills.