Descrizione del progetto
Un metodo innovativo per riciclare prodotti in polipropilene
Il polipropilene (PP) è utilizzato in diversi prodotti e applicazioni, ad esempio negli interni delle automobili, negli imballaggi dei beni di consumo, nell’elettronica e nei materiali da costruzione. I prodotti in PP hanno in genere una vita breve e rappresentano circa il 23 % dell’intero mercato delle materie plastiche. Tuttavia, solo l’1 % viene riciclato, mentre il resto contribuisce all’inquinamento terrestre e marino. Il progetto ISOPREP, finanziato dall’UE, propone un metodo per riciclare i prodotti in PP di qualità vergine e riutilizzabili per la produzione di prodotti in PP di altissima qualità. Il metodo sfrutta un innovativo solvente polimerico ionico progettato per la solubilità altamente controllata del PP. Il progetto svilupperà il metodo e lo sottoporrà a test in un impianto pilota per il riciclaggio di tappeti in PP a livello di maturità tecnologica TRL7, sulla base delle conoscenze pregresse alla TRL5.
Obiettivo
This project addresses the call topic CE-SPIRE -10-2018: Efficient recycling processes for plastics containing materials.
A method (ISOPREP) is proposed for recycling polypropylene (PP) products into virgin quality PP and hence reusable for the production of the highest grade PP products. The method exploits a novel ionic polymer solvent designed for highly tuned solubility of PP, patented within the partnership, with the key advantages/innovations:
(1) A performance identical to PP resin freshly manufactured from fossil sources
(2) Cost effective compared with producing PP from fossil sources
(3) Reduces the reliance of PP production on fossil resources
(4) Achieves a step reduction on life cycle emissions and energy compared with the use of fossil resources
(5) Is entirely closed loop with negligible loss of solvent per cycle and hence negligible emissions thus non-polluting
(6) The solvent is non-toxic and non-flammable in the process temperature range
(6) Removes dyes, colours and impurities
(7) Prevents sending end of life PP products to landfill and avoids them polluting both land and sea
PP is used in a huge variety of products such as automobile interiors, consumer goods packaging, electronics, construction materials, carpets and other home furnishings. The global PP market, accessible by the ISOPREP system, was estimated at €65bn per annum in 2017, totaling approximately 23% of the entire plastics market. Given the typically short life of PP products, only 1% of which are recycled, there is a great need to implement innovative and disruptive technologies to mediate this trend.
Although applicable to a wide range of products, the concept will be developed and demonstrated at pilot plant stage for recycling polypropylene carpet at TRL7, based on prior and patented knowledge within the partnership at TRL5.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
Invito a presentare proposte
Vedi altri progetti per questo bandoBando secondario
H2020-NMBP-SPIRE-2018
Meccanismo di finanziamento
IA - Innovation actionCoordinatore
CB21 6AL Cambridge
Regno Unito