Photodegradation of Decabromo Diphenyl Ether Flame Retardant in Poly (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) (ABS)

Abstract

Decabromodiphenylether (DBDE) is a brominated flame retardant which belongs to the group of polybromodiphenylethers (PBDEs) often used as a fire resistant additive in various well known polymeric systems like polystyrene, poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS), polypropylene, etc. This compound can be considered as a persistent organic pollutant and presents certain risks for the environment owing to the fact that it is bioaccumulable and not biodegradable. A detailed investigation, described here, was carried out on the effect of ultraviolet/visible radiation on DBDE in ABS with the aim to study the photolytic reactions of this molecule in the solid state, in order to improve the economic and ecological treatment of brominated plastic waste from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This study presents new aspects of the photochemical degradation of DBDE/ABS systems in the solid state. The photodegradation of DBDE in ABS was followed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as well as by thermogravimetrical analysis (TGA). Good agreement was obtained for the results of both analytical methods in terms of the overall photolysis of DBDE.

Recycling of Plastics from E-Waste via Photodegradation in a Low-Pressure Reactor: The Case of Decabromodiphenyl Ether Dispersed in Poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) and Poly(carbonate)

“…The trace analysis, carried out using the APPI-LC/MS-MS technique, revealed a remaining concentration of DBDE of 0.89% and 1.58% in ABS and in PC, respectively. Hence, the conversion yield of photodegradation exceeds 85% in all the conducted experiments, which represents a significant increase from the previous experiments conducted in the presence of oxygen from the atmosphere [ 43 , 44 ]. Furthermore, the enhanced stability of ABS and PC to UV-visible light exposure, under reduced pressure, allowed for the application of increasing the radiation dose before oxidation effects took place.…”

“…The changes appearing to ABS and PC due to the UV-light irradiation seem to take place on the exposed surfaces rather than occurring in the bulk. Additionally, very little oxidation effects were detected during the irradiation under the reduced pressure for both polymers, increasing thus their stability when compared to open air irradiation [ 43 , 44 ].…”

Surface Finishing of 3D-Printed Polymers with Selected Coatings

“…In the spectrum of ABS, bands at 1602 cm −1 , 1494 cm −1 and 1453 cm −1 are attributed to C-C stretching vibrations in the aromatic rings of the styrene part in ABS. Small peak at 966 cm −1 presents C-H bonds in trans-butadiene part of ABS, whereas peaks at 765 cm −1 and 700 cm −1 present CH 2 group in vinyl-butadiene and styrene part of ABS [26,42,43]. Spectrum of PLA showed small peaks around 2754 cm −1 presenting C-H valence vibrations.…”