Optimizing the Recycling Process of PP Plastics from Waste Washing Machines: Sustainable Strategy for Environmentally Friendly Reutilization

Abstract

The resource utilization of waste plastics is an inevitable trend toward achieving sustainable social development. The plastic in waste washing machines is a highly potential source of recycling. This study developed a strategy for effectively regenerating PP plastics from waste washing machines. The optimal process parameters of friction alkali washing were determined through response surface curve analysis. Under the conditions of 280 rpm, 10 min, and pH = 12, the proportion of black spots and impurities decreased to the lowest amount of 11.69 × 10–3 wt %. Additionally, a physical sorting, granulation, and regeneration process was constructed. Large-scale data statistical analysis indicated that recycled PP plastics exhibited excellent stability of physical performance and impurity content. Meanwhile, different formulations were designed to modify and improve the physical properties of the recycled PP. This study achieved the regeneration of PP plastics from waste washing machines and provides theoretical and practical guidance for the environmentally friendly reutilization of waste plastics.

Combining the Fine Physical Purification Process with Photoelectric Sorting to Recycle PET Plastics from Waste Beverage Containers

“…The empirical relationship between the decontamination effect and process variables can be accurately represented by the following second-order polynomial eq : where I is the impurity content of recycled PET flakes; X Fe is the feeding speed, rpm; X Se is the identification sensitivity of color sorters, %; and X Fl is the flake size, mm. The absolute value of coefficients is positively correlated with the significance of their impact . The X Fl and X Fe · X Fl coefficients have higher absolute values, while X Se and X Fe · X Se have lower absolute values.…”

Challenges and Opportunities in China’s Journey in the Recycling of Plastic Wastes

“…In terms of physical recycling technology, a systematic continuous treatment process has been developed to achieve the complete recycling of waste plastics. This includes various combination systems such as hot alkali cleaning, eddy current sorting, electrostatic sorting, and photoelectric color sorting. − Chemical recycling technology includes thermal pyrolysis, , hydrolysis, , etc. (Figure ), which can convert waste plastics into high-value products such as fuel oil and chemical raw materials, thus providing a new way for plastics that are difficult to recover.…”

“…Cases of large-scale application of waste plastic recycling production lines in China: recycling PP from waste lunchboxes, recycling PP/PS/ABS from e-wastes, and recycling PET from waste bottles . Reprinted in part with permission from ref .…”

“…Copyright 2024 Elsevier. Reprinted in part with permission from refs , . Copyright 2024 American Chemical Society.…”