Electrostatic separation of polymer waste by tribocharging system based on friction with PVC

Abstract

The improper disposal and accumulation of polymer waste in the environment cause several ecological damages, and it is a challenge for our society. The mechanical recycling of polymer waste is the most appropriate alternative to decrease these problems. However, polymer recycling is not a trivial process and some difficulties, such as the segregation of different kinds of polymers in post-consume polymeric waste, represent their complexity. The segregation of post-consume polymeric waste is the main barrier for mechanical recycling of polymers. Electrostatic separation of polymeric waste based on tribocharging of polymer particles when rubbed with different surfaces has emerged as a promising method for mechanized separation of polymer waste. In present study, an apparatus for electrostatic separation of polymer waste based on tribocharging in polyvinyl chloride pipe with air flow has been development. The system has showed considerable efficiency for polyvinyl chloride segregation in binary mixtures with high-density polyethylene waste and with polyethylene terephthalate as well as in ternary mixture polyvinyl chloride/high-density polyethylene/polyethylene terephthalate.