Recycling Of Plastic Waste Research Articles

Traceability of Microplastic Fragments from Waste Plastic Express Packages Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics.

The pollution from waste plastic express packages (WPEPs), especially microplastic (MP) fragments, caused by the blowout development of the express delivery industry has attracted widespread attention. On account of the variety of additives, strong complexity, and high diversity of plastic express packages (PEPs), the multi-class classification of WPEPs is a typical large-class-number classification (LCNC). The traceability and identification of microplastic fragments from WPEPs is very challenging. An effective chemometric method for large-class-number classification would be very beneficial for the comprehensive treatment of WPEP pollution through the recycling and reuse of waste plastic express packages, including microplastic fragments and plastic debris. Rather than using the traditional one-against-one (OAO) and one-against-all (OAA) dichotomies, an exhaustive and parallel half-against-half (EPHAH) decomposition, which overcomes the defects of the OAO's classifier learning limitations and the OAA's data proportion imbalance, is proposed for feature selection. EPHAH analysis, combined with partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) for large-class-number classification, was performed on 750 microplastic fragments of polyethylene WPEPs from 10 major courier companies using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. After the removal of abnormal samples through robust principal component analysis (RPCA), the root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) value for the model was reduced to 0.01, which was 21.5% lower than that including the abnormal samples. The best models of PLS-DA were obtained using SNV combined with SG-17 smoothing and 2D (SNV+SG-17+2D); the latent variables (LVs), the error rates of Monte Carlo cross-validation (ERMCCVs), and the final classification accuracies were 6.35, 0.155, and 88.67% for OAO-PLSDA; 5.37, 0.103, and 87.33% for OAA-PLSDA; and 3.12, 0.054, and 96.00% for EPHAH-PLSDA. The results showed that the EPHAH strategy can completely learn the complex LCNC decision boundaries for 10 classes, effectively break the tie problem, and greatly improve the voting resolution, thereby demonstrating significant superiority to both the OAO and OAA strategies in terms of classification accuracy. Meanwhile, PLS-DA further maximized the covariance and data interpretation abilities between the potential variables and categories of microplastic debris, thereby establishing an ideal performance identification model with a recognition rate of 96.00%.

Mechanical and Microstructural Investigation of Geopolymer Concrete Incorporating Recycled Waste Plastic Aggregate.

The effective use of waste materials is one of the key drivers in ensuring sustainability within the construction industry. This paper investigates the viability and efficacy of sustainably incorporating a polylactic acid-type plastic (WP) as a 10 mm natural coarse aggregate (NA) replacement in geopolymer concrete. Two types of concrete (ordinary Portland cement-OPC and geopolymer) were produced for completeness using a concrete formulation ratio of 1:2:3. The ordinary concrete binder control was prepared using 100% OPC at a water/binder ratio of 0.55, while the geopolymer concrete control used an optimum alkaline activator/precursor-A/P ratio (0.5) and sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide-SS/SH volume ratio (1.2/0.8). Using the same binder quantity as the control, four concrete batches were developed by replacing 10 mm NA with WP at 30 and 70 wt% for ordinary and geopolymer concrete. The mechanical performance of the developed concrete was assessed according to their appropriate standards, while a microstructural investigation was employed after 28 days of curing to identify any morphological changes and hydrated phases. The results illustrate the viability of incorporating WP in geopolymer concrete production at up to 70 wt% replacement despite some negative impacts on concrete performance. From a mechanical perspective, geopolymer concrete indicated a 46.7-58.3% strength development superiority over ordinary concrete with or without WP. The sample composition and texture quantified using automated scanning electron microscopy indicated that adding WP reduced the presence of pores within the microstructure of both concrete types. However, this was detrimental to the ordinary concrete due to the low interfacial zone (ITZ) between calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) gel and WP, resulting in the formation of cracks.

Increasing the Dissolution Rate of Polystyrene Waste in Solvent-Based Recycling.

Solvent-based recycling of plastic waste is a promising approach for cleaning polymer chains without breaking them. However, the time required to actually dissolve the polymer in a lab environment can take hours. Different factors play a role in polymer dissolution, including temperature, turbulence, and solvent properties. This work provides insights into bottlenecks and opportunities to increase the dissolution rate of polystyrene in solvents. The paper starts with a broad solvent screening in which the dissolution times are compared. Based on the experimental results, a multiple regression model is constructed, which shows that within several solvent properties, the viscosity of the solvent is the major contributor to the dissolution time, followed by the hydrogen, polar, and dispersion bonding (solubility) parameters. These results also indicate that cyclohexene, 2-pentanone, ethylbenzene, and methyl ethyl ketone are solvents that allow fast dissolution. Next, the dissolution kinetics of polystyrene in cyclohexene in a lab-scale reactor and a baffled reactor are investigated. The effects of temperature, particle size, impeller speed, and impeller type were studied. The results show that increased turbulence in a baffled reactor can decrease the dissolution time from 40 to 7 min compared to a lab-scale reactor, indicating the importance of a proper reactor design. The application of a first-order kinetic model confirms that dissolution in a baffled reactor is at least 5-fold faster than that in a lab-scale reactor. Finally, the dissolution kinetics of a real waste sample reveal that, in optimized conditions, full dissolution occurs after 5 min.

Municipal Plastic Waste Recycling through Pyrogasification

Conventional mechanical recycling technologies cannot recycle all types and amounts of generated plastic waste. Pyrolysis can convert these municipal mixed plastic streams into products with significant calorific value, which are likely to be used as energy sources. The present work describes a technology used to expand the portfolio of technical approaches to drive plastics circularity, i.e., thermochemical recycling. A base case scenario considered a capacity of 1.000 kg/h of municipal plastic waste, consisting of a mixture of polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and plastic associated with paper, which were converted into non-condensable gases, oil, and char through a pyrogasification system. Based on mass and energy balances and experimental data from the literature, a total of 199.4 kg (48 MJ/kg) of liquid fuel and 832.85 kg (16 MJ/kg) of gas could be obtained with no need for external heating sources. The thermal requirement for the pyrolysis of 1.000 kg of municipal plastic waste (1.316 MJ) was supplied by the gasification of a fraction of the produced pyrolysis oil and gases. This feasibility analysis confirmed the technical adequacy of the proposed technology, which that will be further complemented by a technoeconomic study of the proposed solution.

Synthesis of Polar-functionalized Isotactic Polypropylenes Using Commercial Heterogeneous Ziegler-Natta Catalyst.

The efficient synthesis of polar-functionalized polypropylenes with high molecular weight and high stereoregularity represents a challenging task. This challenge becomes even more daunting when pursuing an industrially preferred heterogeneous process. This study demonstrated the realization of these goals through the use of commercial heterogeneous Ziegler-Natta catalysts in the copolymerization of propylene with ionic cluster polar monomers. The results revealed high copolymerization activity (∼1.1 × 107 g mol-1 h-1), moderate polar monomer incorporation ratios (∼4.9 mol %), high copolymer molecular weight (Mw > 105 g mol-1), high stereoregularity ([mmmm] ∼ 96%), and high melting temperature range (150-162 °C). The utilization of ionic cluster polar monomers improved the thermal stability as well as stereoselectivity of the catalyst. Moreover, the Ziegler-Natta catalyst can homopolymerize ionic cluster polar monomers with high activities (>104 g mol-1 h-1). The resulting polar-functionalized isotactic polypropylenes (iPP) exhibited superior tensile strength, impact strength, creep resistance, transparency, and crystallinity compared with nonpolar iPP. This enhancement was attributable to the dual roles of the ionic cluster polar monomer unit, serving as both a transparent nucleating agent and a dynamic cross-linking functionality. Furthermore, the polar-functionalized iPP exhibited improved compatibility with polar materials, offering benefits for applications in composites, recycling of mixed plastic wastes, 3D printing, and other fields. This study offered a comprehensive solution for the future industrial production of polar-functionalized iPP via copolymerization, bridging the gap between an efficient and practical copolymerization process from a synthetic chemistry perspective and enhanced material properties from an application perspective.

Integrated analytical hierarchy process-grey relational analysis approach for mechanical recycling scenarios of plastics waste in India.

Mechanical recycling is an indispensable tool for plastic waste (PW) recycling and has the highest share in the PW recycling sector in India. The transition to the circular economy of plastics (CEoP) needs a systemic perspective on the mechanical recycling processes. Nevertheless, the assessment of multiple parameters influencing the mechanical recycling of PW is a complex decision-making problem for the development of triple-bottom-line mechanical recycling. A systemic perspective of various mechanical recycling scenarios was performed by employing a multi-criteria decision-making approach to examine the complexity of interlinked factors in the present investigation. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) integrated with grey relational analysis (GRA) was used to evaluate the criteria that directly influence quality-oriented mechanical recycling. Data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews using a framed questionnaire in stakeholder engagement with mechanical recyclers of PW. The first level hierarchy included economy, technical, resource consumption and environmental criteria. These criteria were further categorized into various significant indices such as quality of recyclate, recyclability, water and energy consumption during recycling. The results of the integrated grey relational analysis indicated that the technical parameters including quality of recyclate, resource efficiency, PW processing rate and recyclability have a significant influence on mechanical recycling. Based on AHP-GRA, scenario MR6, i.e. manufacturing of PET strap from recycled PET flakes, was ranked the optimal mechanical process amongst the various scenarios. MR6 was followed by Straps and Films at the second and third rank. The lowest ranking was observed for polymer blend recycling. These processes with higher ranks produced good quality recyclate with better efficiency and recyclability. Moreover, these processes consumed optimal resources during manufacturing. These processes also exhibited less maintenance cost, high production rate, low chemical consumption and waste generation as well as implemented pollution control practices.

Chemical recycling of plastic waste for sustainable polymer manufacturing – A critical review

Chemical recycling has emerged as a promising approach to valorise non-recyclable, rejected, multi-layer, and contaminated plastic waste streams, such as packaging waste, aligning with the 3R's principles (reduce, reuse, and recycle). This paper critically evaluates various chemical recycling technologies, including pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal, and biological methods, which hold the potential to amend the global plastic pollution crisis while recovering valuable materials. Despite the potential of these methods, substantial challenges persist, including technological limitations, elevated capital costs, feedstock variability, energy consumption, and poor regulatory frameworks. The challenges and opportunities for future development are thoroughly discussed. Continuous research and development are vital for advancing chemical recycling technologies and transitioning towards a circular economy. A holistic approach, integrating not only chemical recycling, but also waste reduction, reuse, and other waste management strategies, is required to resolve the plastic waste crisis, and attain a more sustainable future.

Effects of Waste Plastic and Glass Aggregates on the Strength Properties of Ambient-Cured One-Part Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Concrete

The production of Portland cement (PC) is associated with carbon emissions. One-part geopolymer “just add water” is a user- and environmentally-friendly binder that can potentially substitute PC. However, there is limited research on the setting time, fresh, and strength properties of one-part metakaolin (MK)-based geopolymer concrete (OMGPC) incorporating recycled aggregates. Hence, the study explored the fresh, mechanical (compressive, flexural, splitting tensile, and E-modulus) and microstructural properties of ambient cured (7-, 28-, and 90-day) OMGPC containing recycled waste plastics (RESIN8) and recycled fine waste glass aggregate (FWG) at 5% and 10% by volume of the sand. The study result shows that 2% trisodium phosphate by wt. of the binder retard the initial and final setting times of OMGPC. At the same time, the incorporation of RESIN8 and FWG aggregates improved the workability of geopolymer concrete. The lightweight properties of RESIN8 aggregate reduce the hardened density of OMGPC, while the FWG specimens show a similar density to the control. The compressive strength of RESIN8 and FWG OMGPC range from 19.8 to 24.6 MPa and 26.9 to 30 MPa, respectively, compared to the control (26 to 28.9 MPa) at all curing ages. The flexural and splitting tensile strength of the OMGPC range from 2.2 to 4.5 MPa and 1.7 to 2.8 MPa, respectively. OMGPC is a viable alternative to Portland cement, and FWG can substitute sand in structural concrete by up to 10% and RESIN8 aggregate at 5% by volume of the natural sand.

Sequential hydrothermal dechlorination and liquefaction of PVC

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is globally the third most produced plastic, but recycling PVC waste through mechanical means is difficult. Due to the high presence of chlorine in PVC, it is unsuitable for both pyrolysis and combustion. Consequently, there is a need to explore innovative methods for harnessing its energy potential. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a topic of growing interest in the literature for chemical recycling of waste plastic or conversion into liquid energy carriers. In this work an innovative sequential hydrothermal processing strategy was tested for oil production from PVC. PVC at high loadings (20 wt.%) was first processed under subcritical conditions to produce a chlorine-free solid, which was then liquefied in supercritical conditions. Different temperatures were tested for the dechlorination stage, and at 300 °C 99% of chlorine was removed, while 94% of carbon remained in the solid residue. The mechanism behind the solid's formation was investigated by assessing activation energies, both with the addition of KOH as a neutralizing agent (120 kJ/mol) and without it (186 kJ/mol). Different temperatures were screened for an HTL supercritical stage (420–480 °C), but the maximum conversion of the dechlorinated solid was 47%, and the maximum mass yield of oil was 10%. Overall, the subcritical phase demonstrated its potential as a technology for producing chlorine-free solid material with a high energy density. The subsequent supercritical step partially valorized the dechlorinated solid by producing an aromatic-rich oil phase.

Plastic recycling stripped naked - from circular product to circular industry with recycling cascade.

This perspective combines various expertise to develop and analyse the concept of technology cascade for recycling waste plastics with the goal of displacing as much fossil crude oil as possible. It thereby presents archetype recycling technologies with their strengths and weaknesses. It then combines them in various cascades to process a representative plastic mix, and determines how much (fossil) naphtha could be displaced and at which energy consumption. The cascades rely on a limited number of parameters that are fully reported in supplementary information and that were used in a simple and transparent spreadsheet model. The calculated results bust several common myths in plastic recycling, e. g. by prioritizing here recycled volume over recycling efficiency, and prioritizing circular industry over circular products . It unravels the energy cost of solvent-based recycling processes, shows the key role of gasification and the possibility to displace up to 70 % of the fossil feedstock with recycled carbon, a recycling rate that compares well with that aluminium, steel or paper. It suggests that deeper naphtha displacement would require exorbitant amount of energy. It therefore argues for the need to complement recycling with the use of renewable carbon, e. g. based on biomass, to fully defossilise the plastic industry.

Regulating framework aluminum location towards boosted light olefins generation in ex-situ catalytic pyrolysis of low-density polyethylene

Amidst the global focus on recycling and treatment of waste plastics for resource sustainability, it remains an enormous challenge to convert waste plastics into light olefin. Herein, the impact of framework Al (AlF) location in ZSM-5 catalyst, controlled by regulating Al sources, on the ex-situ catalytic pyrolysis of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has been investigated. Based on multi-techniques, such as 27Al MAS NMR, ICP-AES, Co-UV–vis-DRS, XRD, SEM, N2 adsorption-desorption, NH3-TPD, Py-IR and FTIR. It is found that the AlF located at the channel intersections show more Al pairs, and this location offers ample space for secondary reactions, which include Diels-Alder reaction, cyclization reaction and dehydrogenation reaction, resulting in the low yield of light olefins (10.6 wt%) and the generation of light alkanes and aromatics from light olefins. In contrast, AlF located in the straight and sinusoidal channels exists mainly in the form of single Al. The substantial steric hindrance for this location facilitates the cracking reaction, mainly referring to the cracking reactions of LDPE that produce light olefins and generate enhanced yield of light olefins (52.8 wt%). These results provide new perspectives towarding boosted light olefins generation in ex-situ catalytic pyrolysis of LDPE.

Enhancement of recycling system for large WEEE plastics in Korea via material flow analysis (MFA) and hazardous substances assessment

Globally, there is interest in recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) plastics for transition to circular resource society and concern about substances with potential harzard in WEEE. For high-quality recycling of WEEE plastics, it is necessary to find factors that hinder recycling of the entire life of plastics and investigate hazardous substances for recycling safety. In this study, through conducting material flow analysis(MFA), 27 kt of WEEE was collected and only 3.9 % of the production was returned to plastic recycling market. To resolve this gap, further research by related organizations, including updating statistical data on the plastics, is required in addition to consideration for converting unofficial routes into official routes. For the activation of the secondary material recycling market, strict quality control is required, because some samples contained relatively high levels of PBDEs DEHP restricted under law. And it is necessary to monitor of unrestricted substance, TBBPA and Bisphenol A detected at high concentration in WEEE plastic, for the safe recycling of plastic waste.

Environmental potential of recycling of plastic wastes in Australia based on life cycle assessment

Plastic consumption in Australia is steadily increasing and is estimated to reach 8.8 million tonnes by 2050. Alongside plastic consumption, plastic waste management (PWM) faces rising environmental challenges in Australia as most of them are currently landfilled. Therefore, the Australian government has published a policy to transition to a circular economy as well as a new strategy for PWM with higher recycling rates. To understand the implications of the policy changes and the environmental impacts of End-of-Life (EoL) options, life cycle thinking is necessary. This study evaluates and compares the environmental impacts of the Australian PWM for 2018–2019 to the policy envisaged for 2030 that includes higher recycling rates and waste export bans from a life cycle assessment (LCA) perspective. From the results, it can be seen that the current PWM is majorly linear (take, make, use and dispose) as most of the wastes gets landfilled and exported to other countries but the future PWM strategy for 2030 results in higher resource recovery and significant reduction in the environmental impacts. There is a reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP) by a factor of almost 10, if the recycling rates increase from 13 to 70%. The state and the federal governments along with other stakeholders need to implement stringent measures to recover plastic wastes if a transition to a circular economy is to happen by 2030.

Exergetic performance optimization and thermoeconomic analysis of a variable compression ratio diesel engine fueled with distilled plastic oil and diesel doped with nanographene

Due to the fast depletion of fossil fuels, enormous concerns about environmental pollution, and advocacy for waste-to-energy drives from the global perspective, compression ignition engines need a sustainable alternative fuel source. Enormous plastic wastes were generated in health sectors, particularly during post-pandemic. In this context, the study intends to introduce a reasonable solution for such waste plastics recycling by converting them into liquid oil by pyrolysis followed by the distillation process. Distilled waste plastic oil (DPO) extracted from medical plastic waste is a potential alternative diesel source. The performance of the engine significantly increases when nanographene is added with DPO/diesel blends, which act as a combustion improviser. The energy efficiency (η1), exergy efficiency (η2), and brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), which are regarded as key performance indicators, exhibited promising results when operated with 20% DPO +100 ppm nanographene (20DPO100G) emulsified fuel mixture as compared to normal diesel. When compared to diesel and other fuel combinations, the energy efficiency (η1) and exergy efficiency (η2) for 20DPO100G fuel mixture were found enhanced by 5.78% and 10.9%, respectively, and lowest by 14.7% for BSFC in comparison to diesel. The optimum energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and minimum BSFC were obtained for the test engine from response surface methodology multi-objective optimization analysis as 31.44%, 22.12%, and 0.32 kg/kW-hr, respectively, for the composite desirability, D of 0.974. The 100 ppm nanographene emulsified distilled waste plastic pyrolysis oil and diesel blend has the lowest relative cost variation of −14.583.

Domestic Plastic Waste Generation in Rural Area of Thai Do Commune, Thai Thuy District, Thai Binh Province

The case study was conducted to evaluate the current situation of plastic waste generation from households in Thai Do commune, Thai Thuy district, Thai Binh province. The survey results show that the average plastic waste generation rate per capita in Thai Do commune is 0.04 kg/person/day. Accordingly, the total average mass of plastic waste generated in Thai Do commune is 268.4 kg/day, accounting for about 14.18% of the total mass of generated domestic solid waste. The composition of plastic waste generated in Thai Do commune is mainly plastic packaging containing/wrapping food (37%) and plastic bags with straps (29%). Domestic solid waste is classified by households into plastic recyclable waste and non-plastic recyclable wastes (such as paper, metals, etc.), the latter is typically for sale of scrap. Remaining plastic waste is collected with the rest of domestic solid waste two to three times/week, then is transported to the central waste treatment site of the commune in Tan Lap village for incineration. At the central treatment site, recyclable plastic waste continues to be classified by workers operating the treatment process. These plastic waste data will be the scientific basis to recommend approaches and solutions to reduce the plastic waste generated from the domestic solid waste in the rural area in Thai Do commune, Thai Thuy district, Thai Binh province.
 
 
 

Study on the processes and warpage of double‐injection‐molded parts containing PP recycled materials

AbstractDouble‐injection molding involves the use of two injection units, A and B, which can combine two different plastics into one part in a single injection molding process. Double‐injection molding can promote the recycling of plastic waste as well as improve the performance and dull appearance of plastic products made from recycled materials. However, the warpage of parts is a significant challenge in double‐injection molding. Warpage is significantly affected by the properties of the recycled material and injection molding process. In this study, the relationship between the warpage of double‐injection‐molded parts using raw and recycled materials was studied through uniform design experiments. To investigate the processes and warpage, the material was recycled several times, and its properties were tested. A regression model was established to describe the quantitative relationship between the important parameters and warpage. The number‐average molecular weight and weight‐average molecular weight exhibited the largest decrease after the first recycling cycle with a 21.11% and 41.11% decrease, respectively. The melting temperature decreased from 164.61 to 159.35°C, and the crystallinity did not change significantly. The processing parameters varied with the change in the properties of PP recycled materials, with the melt temperature decreased from 225 to 210°C. In addition, the number of recycling cycles and holding time for B were the most important factors influencing the warpage of double‐injection‐molded parts, followed by holding time for A and melt temperature for A. Warpage can be reduced by increasing holding times B and A. The experimental results provide important data for reducing the warpage of double‐injection‐molded parts with recycled materials.Highlights Double‐injection‐molded parts containing recycled materials were prepared. Recycling enhanced the filling capacity of polypropylene. The regression model of warpage with variables was established. Warpage can be improved by adjusting processes and materials.

Performance of reclaimed asphalt pavements containing recycled waste plastics

This paper examines the merits of using waste plastics in asphalt pavement. Waste plastics are a major global concern, and there is a need for the sustainable valorization of end-of-life plastics. Because of their characteristics as thermoplastics, treated plastics can be valuable modifiers for hot-mix asphalt (HMA) if they are compatible with the asphalt matrix. The objective of this study is to characterize the rheological properties of asphalt binder modified with linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and reactive elastomeric terpolymers (RET) as compatibilizers along with polyphosphoric acid (PPA) for better dispersion in the asphalt matrix. To do so, a polymer-modified binder (PMB) was prepared by adding the above polymers to asphalt binder, and the PMB was then used to glue mineral aggregates together. Two types of mineral aggregates were used: virgin aggregates, and aggregates with 20 % reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). At the binder level, rheological properties were studied. At the mixture level, the IDEAL Cracking Test was used to evaluate resistance to fatigue cracking, and the Hamburg wheel-track (HWT) test was used to assess the resistance to rutting. When using virgin aggregate, the resistance to fatigue cracking was nearly the same regardless of using a polymer-modified binder or conventional binder. However, when RAP aggregate was used with a polymer-modified binder, there was a significant reduction in resistance to fatigue cracking. The HWT test results showed similar resistance to rutting after 20,000 passes for all HMA mixtures, regardless of aggregate type and asphalt modification.

Chemical recycling of waste plastics: Current challenges and perspectives

Waste plastics offer valuable feedstock for refining facilities. Their well-structured molecular compositions and functional groups make them ideal candidates for conversion into high-value chemicals and fuels, playing a pivotal role in carbon recycling. Achieving this transformation demands not only the precise design of deconstruction reaction systems but also the overcoming of technological barriers, necessitating a collaborative partnership between fundamental research and industrial expertise. In this context, we present a roadmap for advancing the recycling and upcycling of plastic waste, commencing a thorough assessment of technological challenges across the entire plastics recycling chain.

Efficient Plastic Waste Recycling Using Polymer

AbstractThis study explores the possible uses of polymers to facilitate the more efficient recycling of plastic waste. Recycling plastics has been singled out as one way to mitigate the damaging effects of plastic trash on the environment. However, traditional recycling methods can only go so far, therefore innovative approaches are needed. This research investigates how a variety of polymers may be able to improve recycling operations. The study simulates the recycling procedure and employs experimental analysis to compare the performance of various polymers. Results show that by selecting the right polymers, recycling plastic trash can be made much more efficient, cutting down on both waste and energy consumption. The results have important ramifications for the plastic waste recycling sector and point the way towards fruitful future study in this area.

Reclamation and recycling of plastic waste in road construction: Design of a bituminous mix from plastic waste

The purpose of this work is the recovery and recycling of plastic waste as additives in asphalt concrete (AC) in order to make a comparison with the conventional mix. The plastic waste used in this study is recycled plastic bottles made of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). The objectives also include the study of the effect of the addition of different percentages of shredded plastic on the properties of the asphalt mix and the comparison with the properties of the conventional mix. The results indicated that recycled plastics can be conveniently used as an additive for bituminous mixes to participate in the sustainable management of plastic waste and the improvement of the performance of the mix. After carrying out a comparative study between the classic mix and the mix modified with recycled plastic, we obtained an optimal bitumen content of 5.33 % to be mixed with an optimal quantity of plastic of 6 % to obtain a mix with better quality. Subsequently, we proposed to carry out a study trying to reduce the quantity of bitumen while maintaining the optimum quantity of plastic (6 %) in order to evaluate the percentage of bitumen that could be substituted with plastic to approach values obtained at the optimum at the level of conventional asphalt concrete. With 6 % of plastic, it is possible to reduce the optimal amount of bitumen from 5.33 % to 5 %, leading to a reduction in the cost per km of road.