Recycling Potential for Non-Valorized Plastic Fractions from Electrical and Electronic Waste

This paper describes a study for waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) to characterise the plastic composition different mixed fractions. Most samples studied are currently excluded from material recycling arise as side streams in state-of-the-art plastics plants. These contain brominated flame retardants (BFR) or other substances concern listed persistent organic pollutants RoHS directive. Seventeen samples, including cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors, CRT televisions, flat screens such liquid crystal displays, small domestic appliances, information communication technology, were investigated using density- dissolution-based separation processes. The total bromine chlorine contents determined by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, indicating substantial concentration both elements density fractions above 1.1 g/cm3, most significantly specific solubility classes referring ABS PS. was further supported retardant analysis. It shown that BFR levels polymers can be reduced below 1000 ppm dissolution precipitation processes enabling compliance with current legislation. As additional target PC PC-ABS also recycled but did not require an elimination BFR. Finally, physicochemical investigations materials gel permeation chromatography, melt flow rate, differential scanning calorimetry suggest high purity indicate no degradation technical properties polymers.