Polymer recycling: opportunities and limitations.

Polymer recycling: opportunities and limitations.

The disposal of polymer solid waste by means other than landfilling is necessary. The various approaches-source reduction, incineration, degradation, composting, and recycling-all have their roles and must be employed in an integrated manner. Where appropriate, recycling has ecological advantages, but its application is dependent upon the feasibility of collection, sorting, and/or compatibiliza...

Plastics recycling: challenges and opportunities.

Plastics are inexpensive, lightweight and durable materials, which can readily be moulded into a variety of products that find use in a wide range of applications. As a consequence, the production of plastics has increased markedly over the last 60 years. However, current levels of their usage and disposal generate several environmental problems. Around 4 per cent of world oil and gas productio...

User studies: Opportunities and limitations

In this keynote address I reflect on the role of user studies in dictionary research. Starting with a distinction between positivistic and naturalistic general methodological paradigms, I discuss a number of specific methods and techniques, pointing to their respective strengths and weaknesses. I introduce the audience to a related research paradigm which has recently emerged within computer sc...

Chemical Recycling of Polymer Materials

After the first life cycle of plastics various recycling processes are available for further utilization of these valuable materials. For an ecologically and economically satisfying solution the most suitable process has to be chosen. In chemical recycling polymers are degraded to basic chemical substances which can be reused in the petrochemical industry. For soiled waste plastics or waste pla...

Epidemiology and product safety--opportunities and limitations.