Microfactory Design for Valorization of E-Waste Plastics (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene, Polycarbonate, and Polypropylene) on Additive Manufacturing Sector

Abstract

Less than half of e-waste plastics are sorted worldwide, and this rate is likely to decline as major processing countries have banned importation of e-waste plastics. This forces the development of decentralized processing facilities, also known as microfactories. The present work investigates the recyclability of different grades of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymer, polycarbonate, and polypropylene, which were found to be very abundant in a recycling site in the UK. The determination of the matrix relied on the resin identification codes imprinted in the e-waste plastics and subsequent Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Melt-blend extrusion technology enabled the valorization of the wasted thermoplastics as 3D filament without significant degradation of the polymers. The recycled materials maintained the tensile strength at around 2.5 MPa in agreement with the specifications offered by virgin polymers. Further characterization was done by means of laser microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray fluorescence to determine the commercial viability of the recycled filament. A modified solvent-based method was developed with acetone to remove the brominated flame retardants: 25 g/100 mL, 30 min of contact time, and 4 extraction steps. The FTIR results show that the degradation of the rubbery dispersed phase corresponding to the butadiene can be accumulated in the less soluble fraction of the extracted ABS.

Mechanical Performance of Recycled 3D Printed Sustainable Polymer-Based Composites: A Literature Review

“…In the UK, it has been also found in electronic wastes, while during the COVID-19 pandemic it was used to produce protective masks. Health industry wastes need to be sterilized before they can be recycled such as common urban wastes [52][53][54][55]. PP is mainly used as a single-end plastic, studies have shown that tensile properties have a steady behavior despite the common perception of plastic downgrading that has been verified for other types [56,57].…”

“…PP is mainly used as a single-end plastic, studies have shown that tensile properties have a steady behavior despite the common perception of plastic downgrading that has been verified for other types [56,57]. Recycled PP has shown property stability during recycling processes making it, despite the warping issues, a promising material for future investigation and valorization [53,58]. The amount of electronic waste has been rapidly increasing in the last decade, with ABS being the main polymer that can be extracted from it.…”

“…Recycling Symbol Plastic (Acronym) Recyclability ApplicationsPolyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Easy Packaging, textiles, electronic cables, water bottles[32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40] High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Easy Pipes, chemicals packaging, fuel tanks, bumpers[41][42][43][44][45][46] Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Moderate Bags, medical equipment, pipes[47] Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Moderate Bags, containers, sporting equipment[48][49][50] Polypropylene (PP) Difficult Automotive components, turbine blades, medical tools[51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58] …”