🧩 PP+RC – Recycled Polypropylene
(Economic and eco-friendly weldable plastic, used in secondary automotive parts and non-structural components)
🔹 What is PP+RC
PP+RC is a recycled polypropylene (Recycled Compound), obtained through regranulation from industrial or post-consumer waste.
It may contain blends of virgin PP, recycled PP, and sometimes small percentages of PE, EPDM, or talc, depending on the source. It is an economic, sustainable, and easy-to-process material, though with slightly variable mechanical properties depending on the batch purity.
🔧 Composition
- PP (Polypropylene) – thermoplastic base
- RC (Recycled Content) – regenerated polypropylene, 30–100 %
- Additives – UV stabilizers, antioxidants, compatibilizers
- May contain traces of: PE, PP-TD, PP-EPDM
🚗 Where PP+RC is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Body / Exterior | Mudguards, lower covers, protectors | Low cost, good rigidity |
| Technical Interior | Panels, covers, brackets | Matte appearance, medium resistance |
| Engine Compartment | Secondary parts, sensor housings | Moderately thermally stable |
| Aftermarket / Tuning | Universal parts, prototypes | Recyclable material, easy to weld |
🔧 Welding temperatures and methods
| Method | Optimal temperature | Observations |
| Hot air | 260 – 280 °C | Standard weld, stable melting |
| Heat plate (mirror) | 250 – 270 °C | Ideal for flat joints |
| Manual extrusion | 240 – 260 °C | Recommended for cracks and corners |
| Ultrasonic | — | Only possible for thin and clean parts |
🔩 What to weld PP+RC with (Material compatibility)
The question “what to weld PP+RC with” depends on the exact composition of the recycled blend. In general, it welds with virgin PP or similar compounds (PP-C, PP-H, PP-TD), but it is important to observe the melting behavior.
✅ Compatible:
- PP+RC ↔ PP+RC – ideal combination (same material type)
- PP+RC ↔ PP-C / PP-H / PP-TD – very good compatibility
- PP+RC ↔ PP+EPDM / PP+TPO – partially compatible
- PP+RC ↔ PP+MD / PP+HI – compatible, but different shrinkage
❌ Incompatible:
- PE, ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PVC – will not bond, different melting points
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation:
Use PP-C or PP-TD20 welding rods at a temperature of 270 °C. Test the melting on a small area — if the plastic softens uniformly and becomes glossy without bubbles, the weld is secure. Avoid overheating — some recycled batches may contain materials with different melting points.
🏭 Manufacturers and trade names
| Manufacturer | Brand / Series | Country / Region |
| LyondellBasell | Hostacom® RC | Germany / Netherlands |
| Borealis | Daplen® RC | Austria |
| SABIC | PP Recycled Compound | Netherlands / Global |
| TotalEnergies | Lumicene® Recycled | France |
| Ravago | Enyglos® RC | EU |
| Mepol | PP-RC Series | Italy |
🧠 How to identify PP+RC
- Engraved marking: >PP-RC<, >PP-Recycled< or >PP-REC<
- Matte surface, variable color (grey, black, dark green)
- Yellow-blue flame, faint burnt paraffin smell
- Melts at 270 °C, without bubbles (if clean)
- Slightly more porous texture than virgin PP
🛠️ PP+RC Welding at ReplastMD:
At our service center in Chisinau (Ciocana sector), ReplastMD performs professional PP-RC welding for:
- mudguards, covers, housings, and recycled technical parts
- strengthening broken mounts and structural cracks
- aesthetic restoration and reinforcement of affected areas