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Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Hierarchical approach for solvent selection in circular economyChemical recycling allows upcycling of polymers into their monomers and/or other valuable chemicals and contributes to a resource-efficient future. This demands selective depolymerization of a particular fraction from a mixed waste stream and thereby, necessitates the use of appropriate solvents. The solvent not only governs the effective depolymerization of the polymer but also influences the sustainability of the process. Conventionally, the tendency of the solvent to dissolve the polymer is considered as the only selection criterion. However, careful consideration should also be given to its interaction with other process reagents and its sustainability. This research proposes a systematic approach to identify potential solvents suitable for a particular recycling strategy. The hierarchical approach begins with identifying potential solvents using computer-aided molecular design based on the Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSPs) of the target polymer. Further, their interactions with other process reagents are also considered. Subsequently, they are screened for their sustainability through a comprehensive life-cycle assessment and some short-listed systems are further evaluated using process simulation. The application of this methodology for developing a recycling strategy for PLA is illustrated.Publicationtype: Conference Paper78 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: with files , Valorisation of polylactic acid (PLA) waste: a comparative life cycle assessment of various solvent-based chemical recycling technologiesTo understand the environmental impacts of various chemical recycling solutions for handling end-of-life (EoL) post-consumer (PC) PLA waste, a comparative environmental assessment was conducted. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was applied the ISO standards 14040/44. The functional unit of the study was the treatment of one tonne PC-PLA waste. The four EoL scenarios investigated were: (1) hydrolysis, (2) alcoholysis using methanol, (3) alcoholysis using ethanol and (4) the direct incineration of PC-PLA waste. The scope of the study considers environmental impacts emanating from: (a) the collection and transport of the PC-PLA waste, (b) its pre-treatment, (c) respective EoL treatment for the production of recyclates and (e) the substitution of conventional products with recyclates. The results show that all three chemical recycling technologies perform better from an environmental perspective as compared to the direct incineration of the PLA waste. In particular, the chemical recycling processes using alcoholysis show considerable environmental benefits across various impact categories such as global warming, acidification, eutrophication, ionising radiation, photochemical ozone formation, resource use (energy carriers; mineral and metals) and respiratory inorganics. On the other hand, the valorisation of PLA to lactic acid via hydrolysis shows the highest benefits concerning land use and water scarcity. In the case of potential impacts on ozone depletion, alcoholysis-using methanol performs worst. Through the results obtained and subsequent discussions, this study establishes the need for instituting a recycling strategy for PLA to create a resource-efficient future involving different sectors along the value chain.Publicationtype: Journal ArticleScopus© Citations 31 132 799