ASSESSMENT OF THE DEGREE AND SOURCE OF POLYOLEFIN RECYCLATES CONTAMINATION
- Ayah Alassali - Institute of Environmental Technology and Energy Economics, Hamburg University of Technology, Germany
- Wolfgang Calmano - Institute of Environmental Technology and Energy Economics, Hamburg University of Technology, Germany
- Kerstin Kuchta - Institute of Environmental Technology and Energy Economics, Technische Universitat Hamburg-Harburg, Germany
- Available online in Detritus - Volume 17 - December 2021
- Pages 42-48
Released under CC BY-NC-ND
Copyright: © 2021 CISA Publisher
Abstract
This study has the aim of analysing the degree of contamination of recycled polyolefin purchased from the market by focusing on the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Additionally, the impact of the mechanical recycling process on the polyolefin chemical quality was investigated. Results indicated that recycled polyethylene (PE) had higher PAHs concentrations by 10 to 20 folds in comparison to the pristine PE. Similarly, recycled polypropylene (PP) indicated higher PAHs concentrations in comparison to the virgin polypropylene, yet with lower degree of difference. Analysing the 8 indicators assigned by the Regulation EU 1272/2013 amending REACH Annex XVII, all recycled specimens showed concentrations lower than the limit of 0.5 mg kg-1, which indicates that there is no restriction in material’s utilisation. This study functioned as a preliminary assessment to check the suitability of recycled plastics for their further utilisation. Additionally, the study indicates that polyolefin can experience quality deterioration when uncontrolled recycling conditions are applied.Keywords
Editorial History
- Received: 13 Sep 2021
- Revised: 26 Nov 2021
- Accepted: 26 Nov 2021
- Available online: 19 Dec 2021
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