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The Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF has developed a process that removes odours from plastic packaging. This should have advantages for the recycling of the materials, as the material quality of the plastic waste is increased.
The new process is based on the Pressurised water extraction. It removes the tracer fragrance limonene from commercial HDPE packaging and does not require organic solvents. This reduces costs and protects the environment. In this way, the Increase material quality of processed plastic waste within one hour.
In-process analyses using infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry provide the research team with data on the chemical composition of the samples as a function of different extraction conditions. These analytical data show that significantly less limonene is present in the samples after extraction. Furthermore In addition to the fragrance, other impurities and short-chain HDPE are removed from the samples, originally contained in the packaging. Using this database as a basis, the experts in Darmstadt determined the optimum process parameters for the extraction of fragrances from HDPE packaging using pressurised water.
„The project results show the benefits of a systemic approach to solving current plastics technology issues of great social relevance.“
Dr Guru Geertz, who is in charge of the project at Fraunhofer LBF
The development of the process required detailed Insights into the chemical kinetics of the extraction process This was made possible with the help of an innovative approach to in-process analytics: By evaluating the data with the help of machine learning methods, the extraction parameters could be optimised in terms of economical process management. At the current stage of development, the new process is characterised by a Application scenario for improved processing of plastic waste from.
„The extraction process we have developed shows a way to recycle single-use plastics with a wider range of applications, and that helps to protect the environment.“
Dr Guru Geertz
Due to the underlying concept, the process is equally suitable for industrialised, emerging and developing countries, so that potentially all market participants who place plastic products on the market can benefit from it. The project was funded as part of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's internal programmes.
Source: Fraunhofer LBF
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