## How to Store and Handle Recycled Plastic Resin: Best Practices for Quality Preservation
### Storage Requirements
**Temperature**:
– Ideal: 15-25°C
– Maximum: 35°C
– Avoid: Direct sunlight, heat sources
– Impact: High temp accelerates degradation
**Humidity**:
– Ideal: <50% RH
- Maximum: 70% RH
- Critical for: PET, PA, PC
- Impact: Moisture causes hydrolysis
**Packaging**:
- Original sealed bags: Best
- Bulk containers: With desiccant
- Open bags: Use within 24 hours
- Re-seal: After each use
### Handling Procedures
**Receiving**:
1. Inspect packaging integrity
2. Check moisture indicator
3. Verify lot number and COA
4. Store in designated area
**Transfer**:
1. Use clean, dry equipment
2. Avoid contamination
3. Minimize exposure time
4. Label containers clearly
**Drying Requirements**:
| Material | Temperature | Time | Dew Point |
|----------|-------------|------|-----------|
| PET | 140-160°C | 4-6 hours | -40°C |
| PA6 | 80-100°C | 4 hours | -20°C |
| PA66 | 80-100°C | 4-6 hours | -20°C |
| PC | 120°C | 3-4 hours | -20°C |
| ABS | 80°C | 2-4 hours | -20°C |
### Shelf Life
**General Guidelines**:
- PET: 6 months (sealed)
- PA: 3 months (sealed)
- PC: 6 months (sealed)
- PP/PE: 12 months (sealed)
**Indicators of Degradation**:
- Color change (yellowing)
- Odor development
- MFI increase >20%
– Brittleness
### Quality Checks
**Before Processing**:
– Visual inspection
– Moisture content test
– MFI verification
– Color measurement
**During Storage**:
– Weekly temperature check
– Monthly moisture check
– Quarterly MFI check
– Annual full testing
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**Keywords**: recycled plastic storage, handling best practice, quality preservation, moisture control, drying