Open AccessASSESSMENT OF THE DEGREE AND SOURCE OF POLYOLEFIN RECYCLATES CONTAMINATION
Author(s) -
Ayah Alassali,
Wolfgang Calmano,
Kerstin Kuchta
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
detritus
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2611-4135
pISSN - 2611-4127
DOI - 10.31025/2611-4135/2021.15145
Subject(s) - polyolefin , polypropylene , contamination , polyethylene , environmental science , waste management , pulp and paper industry , materials science , composite material , engineering , biology , ecology , layer (electronics)
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.