Reuse of Polymer Waste

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The total United States production in 1972 of plastics, synthetic rubbers, and synthetic fibers amounted to 37 billion pounds, up an average of 14.6% over the previous year [1]. While these figures are justifiably a source of joy to producers, processors, and fabricators of these polymeric materials, two problems cloud the horizon. First, the nation is entering a so-called “energy crisis” and the ultimate source of the vast majority of polymer produced in this country is petroleum (including natural gas). While only a small portion of the total petroleum production goes into plastics (perhaps 1% or so), the shortage of petroleum-based feedstocks is already forcing up the price of monomers and the polymers made from them. Second, there is increasing pressure to find answers to the question “What do we do with these polymers when objects made form them are discarded?” Currently, polymers account for only about 3% by weight of the total waste mix, although this figure is rising. They present significant disposal problems. As a result of their low density and the fact that much polymer waste is in the form of empty containers, they waste available sanitary landfill space. They are not ordinarily subject to corrosive or to microbial degradation. They are difficult to incinerate, at least with present equipment and operating procedures.