Polyolefin compatibilization additives for recycled PE and PP blends
RevLink additives use dynamic covalent crosslinking to convert mixed recycled polyethylene and polypropylene streams into high-quality materials with virgin-grade mechanical properties, eliminating the need for labor-intensive sorting.
Overview
RockyTech's polyolefin compatibilization technology addresses a critical challenge in plastic recycling: converting low-grade mixed streams of recycled polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) into high-quality materials without the need for energy-intensive sorting. By leveraging dynamic covalent chemistry, the technology enables crosslinking at the polymer particle interface, improving adhesion between incompatible polyolefins and minimizing phase separation. This approach allows recyclers and processors to upgrade contaminated or mixed waste streams into materials exhibiting superior tensile and flexural properties compared to virgin HDPE.
Technical specifications
Key features and capabilities:
- RevLink-101 is optimized for film formation from mixed HDPE and PP streams (70:30, 60:40, or 50:50 weight ratios). As little as 1 wt% of RevLink-101 can produce virgin HDPE-quality film from a 70:30 HDPE/PP mixture.
- RevLink-201 is designed for twin-screw extrusion processing. Only 1 wt% is needed to compatibilize a 70:30 HDPE/PP mixture, producing plastic pellets with tensile properties comparable to virgin HDPE.
- Both products are based on reversible covalent bond chemistry that enables polymer chain exchange across incompatible polymer interfaces.
- Both formulations are patent pending.
- The technology is part of RockyTech's proprietary Waste-eliminating Covalent Adaptable Networks (WeCAN) platform.
Technology readiness level
Two working prototypes (RevLink-101 and RevLink-201) have been developed and validated at laboratory scale. Future work includes optimizing processing conditions, developing compatibilizer masterbatches, performing material testing for certification, and conducting pilot runs to validate scalability and assess economies of scale. The technology is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development, moving toward pilot-scale demonstration and commercial readiness.
About RockyTech
RockyTech is a Boulder, Colorado-based material innovation startup that develops sustainable polymer and composite solutions. The company utilizes its proprietary Waste-eliminating Covalent Adaptable Networks (WeCAN) platform, which employs reversible chemistry to create high-performance materials designed for circularity. Its technology portfolio includes patented compatibilizer additives, such as RevLink, which improve the mechanical quality of recycled polyolefin blends like PE and PP. Additionally, RockyTech works on recyclable thermosets, cyanate ester materials like RevCure, and custom cyclic carbonate monomers to facilitate the development of novel, sustainable materials for industries including clean energy, medical devices, and additive manufacturing.
These advancements are critical for customers and partners aiming to reduce hazardous waste, decrease manufacturing emissions, and improve the sustainability of their supply chains. By enabling thermal reprocessability and self-healing properties in materials that were previously difficult to recycle, such as Perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membranes (PFSA-PEMs), RockyTech helps bridge the gap between industrial performance and environmental stewardship. The company supports its partners through product offerings, R&D collaboration, and specialized consulting and contract services, while actively conducting testing to validate its materials for production-ready applications.
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