Status
Completed
Material Class
Polymers / E-Scrap
specific materials
18-02-RR-17

Chemical Recycling of Mixed Plastics and Valuable Metals in the Electronic Waste Using Solvent-Based Processing

NODE
Technical Thrust
Recycling & Recovery
Chemical & Solvent-Based Recycling & Separation (Atomic/Molecular) Technologies
project Members
UMASS lowell logo
member-ReMA
Sunnking we rule electronics recycling logo
About

This project seeks to demonstrate the potential of solvent-based extraction process to recover plastics mixed metals and plastics electronic waste (e‐waste) for cross-industry reuse. Following extraction of the plastics, the mixed-stream would be primarily metals. The plastics would be recovered from the process solvent using an anti-solvent. If successful, this project will significantly increase the recycling rates of e-waste, and the recovery of plastics and metals from this source material. The potential energy savings and emission reduction from this project are estimated at 16PJ per year and 334,000 MT of CO2eq. per year.

PUBLICATIONS

November 16, 2020
Chemical Recycling of Mixed Plastics and Valuable Metals in the Electronic Waste Using Solvent-Based Processing
Presentation

"Chemical Recycling of Mixed Plastics and Valuable Metals in the Electronic Waste Using Solvent-Based Processing" presented at The AIChE Annual Meeting November 16, 2020 (Anderson, Lester [University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA (United States)], Chen, Wan-Ting (Grace) [University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA (United States)])

Pub. Info: 2020 Virtual AIChE Annual Meeting 11/16-20/2020
September 3, 2021
Lifecycle Assessment of High-Density Polyethylene Plastic Waste Recycling
Journal Article

Gandhi, Neeti, Farfaras, Nicholas, Wang, Nien-Hwa Linda, and Chen, Wan-Ting (Grace), submitted an article "Lifecycle Assessment of Plastic Waste Management Methods" to the Journal of Renewable Materials.

Pub. Info: Journal of Renewable Materials, April 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.32604/jrm.2021.015529
November 26, 2021
Chemical Recycling of Mixed Plastics in the Electronic Waste Using Solvent-Based Processing
Journal Article

Anderson, Lester, Yu, Evan, & Chen, Wan-Ting. Chemical Recycling of Mixed P159Plastics in Electronic Waste Using Solvent-Based Processing. Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10010066

Pub. Info: Resource, Conservation, and Recycling Advances
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10010066
July 21, 2022
Catalytic Thermochemical Conversion of Plastic Waste Into Fuels, Chemicals, and Value-Added Materials: A Critical Review and Outlooks
Journal Article

Yang, Ren‐Xuan, Jan, Kalsoom, Chen, Ching‐Tien, Chen, Wan‐Ting, and Wu, Kevin C. ‐W. Thermochemical Conversion of Plastic Waste into Fuels, Chemicals, and Value‐Added Materials: A Critical Review and Outlooks. Germany: N. p., 2022. Web. doi: 10.1002/cssc.202200171

Pub. Info: Green Chemistry
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202200171

RELATED PROJECTS

Project Search

Project Search

Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the most important materials for the energy transition. It is used throughout multiple industries including aerospace and automotive. It is especially important for electric vehicles. 

Read More

Steel

Steel is widely used and one of the most energy intensive materials. It is the focus of global decarbonization efforts due to it’s importance to numerous industries including construction, defense, automotive, aerospace, plkus many more.

Read More

Copper

Copper is officially listed as one of the nations most critical minerals. We are working everyday to reduce the U.S.’s reliance on foreign countries for this vital resource.

Read More

Cast Iron

Cast iron is import to multiple industries, including the heavy duty construction and agricultural industries.

Read More

Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)

Platinum

Platinum is critical to the nation’s energy transition and is especially important to the highly-competitive electronics industry. 

Read More

Palladium

Palladium is critical to the nation’s energy transition and is especially important to the highly-competitive electronics industry. 

Read More

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a type of thermoplastic polymer that is widely used in the production of plastic bottles, packaging materials, and fibers. It is known for its lightweight, transparent, and durable properties, making it a popular choice for various applications. PET is recyclable and commonly identified by the recycling symbol with the number 1 inside, indicating its suitability for recycling and reprocessing.

Read More

Rubber

The materials of modern pneumatic tires are synthetic rubber, natural rubber, fabric, and wire, along with carbon black and other chemical compounds.
Read More

Polyamides

This complex polymer includes materials such as nylon and Kevlar.

Read More

Polyolefins

Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene (PE) is a versatile and widely used thermoplastic polymer that is known for its strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance. It is a key component in various everyday products, including plastic bags, films, bottles, pipes, and containers. PE is categorized into different types based on its density, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Its properties, affordability, and ease of processing have contributed to its extensive use across numerous industries, from packaging and construction to automotive and medical applications.

Read More

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene (PP) is a highly versatile thermoplastic polymer known for its durability, chemical resistance, and high melting point. It is widely used in a diverse range of applications, including packaging materials, textiles, automotive components, and medical devices. PP offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio, good impact resistance, and flexibility, making it suitable for various demanding environments. It is also known for its resistance to moisture, chemicals, and UV radiation, enhancing its suitability for outdoor and long-term applications. PP is recyclable and widely used in both consumer and industrial products due to its cost-effectiveness and favorable performance characteristics.

Read More

Polystyrene (PS)

Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic aromatic polymer that is widely used in the production of disposable foam products, such as food containers, packaging materials, and insulation. It is a lightweight material with excellent thermal insulation properties. PS can exist in two forms: expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as foam or styrofoam, and solid polystyrene. EPS is lightweight, rigid, and offers good cushioning and insulation, while solid polystyrene is transparent, brittle, and commonly used in products like CD cases and disposable cutlery. PS is cost-effective, versatile, and has a wide range of applications due to its ability to be easily molded and its overall durability.

Read More