A new efficient method for the processing of post-consumer polypropylene and other polyolefin wastes into polar waxes. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marek, Adam Andrzej; Zawadiak, Jan; Piotrowski, Tomasz; Hefczyc, Barbara
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 46(2015)
• Page Start: 62
• Page End: 67
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Polypropylene -- Metalized polyolefin films -- Polyolefin wastes -- Purification -- Oxidative degradation -- Polar waxes; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2015.08.042
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: A new two-step method for the processing of polypropylene waste is proposed. The purified polymer can be granulated or oxidized to polar waxes. High-density and low-density polyethylene wastes can be processed by this method. The properties of the obtained products are similar to commercially available ones. Abstract: This paper describes a new efficient method for the processing of post-consumer polypropylene (and other polyolefins) wastes into polar waxes that have potential applications. This technology includes two key steps. In the first step, the post-consumer polyolefins are purified mostly from oil which is used as a solvent in processing of polyolefin wastes (like metalized polyolefin films), and in the second step, the oxidative degradation process is initiated to obtain polar waxes or, alternatively, the purified polymer can be granulated. The results of laboratory research on both steps are presented, as well as a comparison of the obtained granulates and polar waxes with commercially available products.