What are the applications of PCR regenerated materials in the electrical industry
PCR recycled material (post consumer recycled material) is gradually being widely used in the electrical industry due to its environmental properties and cost advantages. This type of material is made by recycling and processing waste plastics (such as mineral water bottles, packaging films, etc.), especially PCR regenerated PET, PCR regenerated PP, PCR regenerated HDPE, etc. It plays an important role in non core structural components, packaging, and auxiliary parts of electrical products. The specific applications are as follows:
1、 Electrical enclosures and structural components (non core load-bearing/high-temperature areas)
1. Small household appliance casing
Such as the external decorative shell of coffee machines, bread machines, humidifier bases, protective cover frames for electric fans, etc. This type of component does not require high heat resistance of the material (usually below 60 ℃), and does not need to withstand excessive mechanical stress. PCR regenerated materials (such as PCR PP, PCR HDPE) can meet basic requirements such as surface smoothness and impact resistance through modification (such as adding impact and weather resistant agents), while reducing the carbon footprint of the product.
Example: Some companies use 30% -50% PCR regenerated PP for the external plastic frame of their air fryers, balancing environmental protection and appearance.
2. Non core structural components of household appliances
Such as drawer partitions in refrigerators, decorative frames for control panels in washing machines, and protective covers for outdoor units of air conditioners (non heat dissipation core areas). These components do not come into direct contact with high temperature or pressure, and the corrosion resistance and formability of PCR regenerated materials (such as PCR HDPE) can meet the requirements, while reducing dependence on native plastics.
2、 Internal insulation and supporting components of electrical appliances
1. Insulation gaskets and partitions
In products such as televisions, microwave ovens, and rice cookers, PCR regenerated PET (after enhanced modification) can be used to make insulation gaskets and circuit board support layers. With its good insulation and certain mechanical strength, it isolates circuits from metal shells and avoids the risk of short circuits.
2. Wiring harness fasteners and zip ties
The wiring harness inside electrical appliances needs to be fixed to avoid shaking and friction. Small components such as zip ties and wire buckles made of PCR PP have low cost and moderate toughness, and can completely replace native PP. They are suitable for fixing internal wiring in refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, etc.
3、 Packaging and transportation auxiliary materials
1. Product packaging shell and cushioning material
The outer packaging box of electrical products (such as the outer plastic cover of color boxes for small household appliances and the transportation protective cover for large household appliances) can be made of PCR regenerated PET or PCR PP, which can be molded through injection molding or vacuum forming processes to reduce plastic waste in the packaging process.
The buffer lining (such as the shockproof pad between the TV, computer host and the packaging box) can use PCR PE foam material to replace the traditional EPS foam, which has both cushioning and environmental protection.
2. Turnover boxes and pallets
The material turnover boxes and component transportation pallets in the electrical production workshop are often made of PCR HDPE or PCR PP, which are wear-resistant, impact resistant, reusable, and reduce the material cost of workshop logistics.
4、 Functional components (low load, non critical scenarios)
1. Button and knob housing
For non operational core buttons of electrical appliances (such as indicator light housings), PCR regenerated materials (after staining and surface treatment) can meet the appearance requirements and have a lower cost than native plastics.
2. Filter framework
The outer frame of the filter for air purifiers and range hoods can be made of PCR PP or PCR PET. These components do not require high material strength, and the temperature resistance of the raw material (-20 ℃~80 ℃) can match the usage scenario.