Efficient recovery of high quality segregated target polymer fractions (PC-ABS and ABS) by an innovative separation process including LIBS technology for sorting Bromine-free plastics, NIR/MIR sorting of plastics by polymer nature, mechanic/pneumatic separation steps, removal of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and washing and drying of the recovered samples. The Creasolv® technology was upscaled, the yields, purity and surface properties of the target polymers have been established.
CloseWEEE used bromine containing fractions as a source of plastic, bromine and the synergist antimony trioxide (Sb2O3). Results show, that a successful recovery of Antimony with a Sb2O3 content of 70 % has been achieved, also bromine and ABS were extracted.
The multi-steps Li-ion batteries recycling process, combining mechanical and (microwave) thermal pretreatment, mechanical separation and hydrometallurgical treatment. Compared with conventional recycling processes the developed hydro-thermal process exhibits higher recovery rate of lithium and graphite by reducing losts in slag or only thermal use in conventional pyro-metallurgical process.
Appropriate & eco-friendly upgrading of recovered materials to second-life applications such as alternative flame retardant systems and their impact on processing, fire, thermal and mechanical properties of recovered PC-ABS compounds have been studied. High quality ABS black, high gloss compound has been produced with a mixture of virgin materials, recycled materials, suitable impact modifiers and thermal stabilizers.
The RIC has received strong support from Hewlett-Packard (HP). However, other manufacturers did not follow this example. After extensive talks with manufacturers’ federations, it appeared that they preferred to explore other options for meeting the requirements on information provision as laid down in the WEEE directive. Alternative options for RIC are being considered such as using community-sourced content to improve e-waste treatment in developing countries.
The target properties of recovered plastic fractions, according to Phillips requirements, and their potential applications were established.
Increasing range and yields of recovered materials from WEEE streams, increasing energy efficiency of recycling processes, reduced environmental footprint measured by qualitative and quantitative indicators: Recovery efficiencies of PC-ABS and ABS fractions, as well as the target additives and minerals from brominated plastic fractions, and EoL Li-Ion batteries, respectively have been established.
Economic and Environmental Validation of the products and processes developed in CloseWEEE. An initial evaluation of the capital and operational expenditures was made for the plastic recovery fraction. Initial results on the Environmental impacts of PC-ABS and ABS recovery were obtained and analyzed.
Establishment of Ecodesign criteria for new EEE associated and establishment of support actions between labelling and GPP. Questionnaire catalogue was developed and electronic equipment manufacturers and actors from the end-of-life system have been interviewed. Based on the interview findings, ecodesign guidelines will be established, which aim to close the link between product design, materials selection and economically running treatment processes.
Development and deployment of an effective dissemination plan of the CloseWEEE results. CloseWEEE has been presented at various dissemination activities, incl. workshops, conferences and online channels.
