Assessment of the degree and source of polyolefin recyclates contamination

This study has the aim of analysing the degree of contamination of recycled poly-olefin purchased from the market by focusing on the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Additionally, the impact of the mechanical recycling process on the polyolefin chemical quality was investigated. Results indicated that recycled polyethylene (PE) had higher PAHs concentrations by 10 to 20 folds in comparison to the pristine PE. Similarly, recycled polypropylene (PP) indicated higher PAHs concentrations in comparison to the virgin polypropylene, yet with lower degree of differ-ence. Analysing the 8 indicators assigned by the Regulation EU 1272/2013 amend-ing REACH Annex XVII, all recycled specimens showed concentrations lower than the limit of 0.5 mg kg-1, which indicates that there is no restriction in material’s util-isation. This study functioned as a preliminary assessment to check the suitability of recycled plastics for their further utilisation. Additionally, the study indicates that polyolefin can experience quality deterioration when uncontrolled recycling conditions are applied.

Subjects

Assessment

Contamination

PAHs

Plastic

Recycling

DDC Class

600: Technik

Publication version

publishedVersion

Lizenz

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Name

DETRITUS 17-2021_pages 42-48_DJ-21-070.pdf

Size

771.16 KB

Format

Adobe PDF

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Assessment of the degree and source of polyolefin recyclates contamination