Projects per year
Abstract
In this thesis, a comprehensive compositional analysis of selected waste plastic samples is presented, including mechanically recycled reject (MRR), rigid polyolefin waste (RPOW), and waste from electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE). Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Near-Infrared (NIR), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, the study identified and quantified polymer types and concentrations. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) were used to further assessed the elemental and ash contents.
The analysis revealed a diverse mix of polymers in MRR, a more homogeneous composition in RPOW suitable for straightforward recycling, and a complex blend of materials in WEEE, requiring more complex recycling strategies due to the presence of flame retardants and heavy metals. These findings validate the employed analytical methods and suggest their potential for broader use in less-equipped laboratories, aiming to make quality compositional analysis more accessible and cost-effective.
This study was supported by two EU-funded projects, Primus and Treasource, and one Business Finland-funded project, UrbanMill, highlighting the importance of advanced analytical techniques in advancing sustainable waste management practices and enhancing the efficacy of recycling technologies. The results facilitate the construction of tailored recycling strategies for specific polymer products and blends.
The analysis revealed a diverse mix of polymers in MRR, a more homogeneous composition in RPOW suitable for straightforward recycling, and a complex blend of materials in WEEE, requiring more complex recycling strategies due to the presence of flame retardants and heavy metals. These findings validate the employed analytical methods and suggest their potential for broader use in less-equipped laboratories, aiming to make quality compositional analysis more accessible and cost-effective.
This study was supported by two EU-funded projects, Primus and Treasource, and one Business Finland-funded project, UrbanMill, highlighting the importance of advanced analytical techniques in advancing sustainable waste management practices and enhancing the efficacy of recycling technologies. The results facilitate the construction of tailored recycling strategies for specific polymer products and blends.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Master Degree |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisors/Advisors |
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| Award date | 9 Aug 2024 |
| Publisher | |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2024 |
| MoE publication type | G2 Master's thesis, polytechnic Master's thesis |
Keywords
- Waste plastics
- DSC
- FT-IR
- NIR
- TGA
- XRF
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Dive into the research topics of 'Compositional analysis of waste plastic samples'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Active
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TREASoURcE: Territorial and Regional Demonstrations of Systemic Solutions of Key Value Chains and Their Replication to Deploy Circular Economy
Kaya, U. (Manager), Tenhunen-Lunkka, A. (Manager), Ritschkoff, A.-C. (Participant), Honkanen, R. (Participant), Palola, S. (Participant), Paajanen, M. (Participant), Härkönen, M. (Participant), Kaya, U. (Participant), Lindfors, C. (Participant), Pienihäkkinen, E. (Participant), Oasmaa, A. (Participant), Ngo, T. (Participant), Arnold, M. (Participant), Javanshour, F. (Participant), Määttä, J. (Participant) & Ylisiurua, M. (Participant)
1/06/22 → 31/05/26
Project: EU project
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PRIMUS: Reforming secondary plastics to become the primary raw material choice for added-value products
Tenhunen-Lunkka, A. (Manager), Rytöluoto, I. (Participant), Pelto, J. (Participant), Mosallaei, M. (Participant), Mikkonen, J. (Participant), Kuutti, L. (Participant), Karjalainen, E. (Participant), Leppänen, I. (Participant), Senna Vieira, F. (Participant), Honkanen, R. (Participant), Palola, S. (Participant), Ngo, T. (Participant), Joshi, A. (Participant), Laurikainen, P. (Participant), zu Castell-Rudenhausen, M. (Participant) & Javanshour, F. (Participant)
1/05/22 → 30/04/25
Project: EU project