5. Chemical processes (solvolysis, glycolysis, acidolysis, etc.)
Chemical recycling is based on the principle of depolymerization by solvolysis. This technique involves treating a polymer or polymer-matrix composite with a reactive solvent capable of depolymerizing the resin by cutting the bonds present in the macromolecular network, leading to a liquid mixture of depolymerization products [2][42]. Depending on the case, glycolysis, acidolysis, hydrolysis or alcoholysis are used to describe the chemical treatment involving glycol, acid, water or alcohol respectively.
The technique has been industrially developed mainly for thermoplastic polymers, notably PET and PVC, for which there are well-mastered industrial processes. The highly stable, cross-linked chemical structure of thermosetting resins makes their depolymerization more delicate, but nonetheless conceivable, particularly in the...
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Chemical processes (solvolysis, glycolysis, acidolysis, etc.)
Ecodesign for recycling
Bibliography
Websites
Waste management, Elsevier http://www.elsevier.com
Waste management & research, Sage http://www.sagepub.com
Journal of material cycles and waste management, Springer http://www.springer.com
...Standards and norms
- Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics – Determination of dimensions and appearance ratio of ground objects - ISO/DIS 30012 -
Regulations
Council Directive 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999 on the landfill of waste, Official Journal L 182 of 16/07/1999 p. 0001 – 0019
Directive 2000/76/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 December 2000 on the incineration of waste, Official Journal L 332, 28/12/2000 p. 0091 – 0111
Directive 2000/53/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 September 2000...
Directory
MCR (Plastic Omnium Group) Composites grinding
ERCOM Composite Recycling GmbH / ERCOM Fibertec GmbH Composite shredding Launched 1991. Closed in 2004
SCORI (TERIS subsidiary) 54, rue Pierre Curie Co-combustion in cement works
Economic data
Composite materials are traditionally much less recycled (5%) than their competitors (65-70% for steel and 30-35% for aluminum in North America, for example). Recycling has developed strongly in Japan (5 to 10 years ahead of Europe), and is now becoming a regulatory obligation in Europe, where it mainly concerns automotive and electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) waste. The corresponding value chain is illustrated at...
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