Recyclability and processing of plastics obtained from e-waste

Abstract

WEEE (waste from electrical and electronic equipment) is rapidly increasing, necessitating the improvement of its disposal process. Plastic components make up around 17% of the overall WEEE stream. ABS, HIPS, polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinylchloride, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyamide account for 70% of all plastic recovered in WEEE. Due to the usage of harmful flame retardants and other toxic compounds in the substance, traditional recycling of these polymers is not viable. In this research project, the mechanical recyclability of these plastics extracted from electric equipment waste is studied. The secondary (recycled) raw material is tested on a broad range of working characteristics, mainly melt flow index and tensile properties. Parameters are compared with those of virgin counterparts, and also with the outcomes from another previous research. The effect of additives and impurities on these recycled WEEE plastics is studied by demonstrating the mechanical property testing.