ASSIGNMENT- 1 POLYMER CHEMISTRY

TOPIC- RECYCLING OF POLYMER

Plastics are lightweight, affordable, and simple to mould. They are particularly promising
prospects for commercial applications because of these and many other advantages. They
have effectively suppressed traditional materials in several regions. Though, the Recycling
remains a significant difficulty. Now a days, a modern overview of recycling is provided
together with a perspective for the future by using widely Polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride,
polyurethane, and poly(ethylene terephthalate) polymers.[1]
Recycling methods and supporting technologies
1) Primary recycling method-The direct reuse of wasted, uncontaminated polymer into a
new product without losing any of its qualities is known as primary mechanical
recycling. For post-industrial waste, primary mechanical recycling is typically carried
out by the manufacture of itself. As a result, closed-loop recycling is a common
phrase for this procedure. A recyclate can be given a new shape after melting. The
best-known methods of this type of processing of mechanical recyclates are injection
molding, extrusion, rotational molding, and heat pressing. Therefore, only
thermoplastic polymers, such as PP, PE, PET, and PVC, can normally be
mechanically recycled.[2]
2) Secondary mechanical recycling method- EOL- and PC-steams are usually processed
through secondary mechanical recycling, which entails separation, because the precise
composition and purity grade are frequently unknown. To prevent the unintended
creation of HCl during reprocessing at high temperatures, PVC is first identified and
then isolated using X-ray detection.[3]
Biological degradation- This is the most important factor for recycling of polymers. When
exposed to air and water, some polymers can be broken down into smaller molecules by
bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that biosynthesize the necessary enzymes. Some
academics view this sort of deterioration as a form of recycling (an better form of
incineration facilities located right within enterprises can utilise heat and power more
effectively).[4]
Incineration or quaternary recycling Incineration as a method to recover energy may be also
classified as a form of recycling. In Europe, it is the most common method of utilizing
discarded plastic. This method is especially used for processing of mixed and heavily
contaminated wastes, which cannot be easily and/or economically recycled by any other
method. [5]
Cross linking- Using specialised chemical agents, cross-linking is a technique that can be
used to enhance the mechanical qualities of rejected polymer blendes. for instance, in reactive
reprocessing, polymer chains extrusion. The majority of these agents are chemically active
systems. can engage polymer chains, causing a reduction in or absence of property
degradation.[4]
In this assignment, I have mentioned the various recycling technologies, which are recently
used for the recycling of polymers.
References

1. Ignatyev, I.A., W. Thielemans, and B. Vander Beke, Recycling of polymers: a review.

ChemSusChem, 2014. 7(6): p. 1579-1593.
2. Barnes, D.K., et al., Accumulation and fragmentation of plastic debris in global
environments. Philosophical transactions of the royal society B: biological sciences, 2009.
364(1526): p. 1985-1998.
3. Al-Salem, S., P. Lettieri, and J. Baeyens, The valorization of plastic solid waste (PSW) by
primary to quaternary routes: From re-use to energy and chemicals. Progress in Energy and
Combustion Science, 2010. 36(1): p. 103-129.
4. Baillie, C., et al., Waste-based composites—Poverty reducing solutions to environmental
problems. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 2011. 55(11): p. 973-978.
5. Adelodun, A.A., Plastic recovery and utilization: From ocean pollution to green economy.
Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2021: p. 264.