Novel procedure for polymeric foams with various applications from waste plastics.

Summary of the technology

The research group "Processing and Pyrolysis of Polymers", Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Alicante has developed an innovative process that allows recycling of different types of plastics (EVA, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polymer melt, foam, rubber or any combination thereof) to transform in a simple and economical ways products with applications in various industrial sectors. The group is looking for companies interested in acquiring the technology for commercial exploitation.

Innovative aspects

The inclusion of waste plastic (EVA, polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, polymer melt, foam, rubber, etc. Or any combination thereof) in the composition, permits its recycling in a simple and cheap, and that current procedures are difficult and very expensive. Together with a chemical foaming and dispersion of ferrites in the composition, applies the energy necessary for the cohesion of the materials by microwave. Ferrites dispersed in the mixture capture and transmit microwaves heat required for foaming in every part of the obtained mass.
With this new procedure, getting pieces of great uniformity, stability and thickness that determines the user (up to 25 cm. in diameter) at a low cost and quick way.

Description of the technology

Innovative process that allows recycling of different types of plastics (EVA, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polymer melt, foam, rubber or any combination thereof) to transform in a simple and economical ways products with applications in various industrial sectors. The group is looking for companies interested in acquiring the technology for commercial exploitation.This innovative procedure provides the steps to take advantage of plastic waste generated by industry

Specifications

Main advantages of its use

  • It is possible to process the piece in a very simple, rapid and economic way: all components involved are mixed initially and the heating of the mixture is produced by microwave radiation.
  • It significantly reduces the processing time (up to seven times the curing time compared to a conventional oven).
  • Possibility to get homogeneous thickness products (pieces of 2.5 to 25 cm. In diameter).
  • The formulation components are mixed, preferably in the form of pellets or powder.
  • This procedure is allowed to a high percentage of waste plastic (EVA, polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, polymer melt, foam, rubber, etc. or any combination thereof) and foamed and cross linked. • The mold to cool the mixture can be reused over a long period of time.
  • Uniform properties in all parts.

Applications

  • This innovative procedure provides the steps to take advantage of plastic waste generated by industry. In this sense, it is possible to use EVA, polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, polymer melt, foam, rubber, etc. or any combination thereof. Thus obtained homogeneous recycled parts with different thickness depending on the application will have. For example: Protection for barrier rail posts of the road - Guards for traffic signals (in both cases it is possible to fabricate in-situ metal piece inside the protector, or by making an independent protector for further assembly of the metal) - Network floating buoys -Marking buoys - Lifeguard floats - Wheels for different vehicles - Soles for any type of footwear (sports, walking, shoes, etc.) - Plates for floor coverings - Sheets that act as noise barriers.

Related Keywords

  • Plastics, Polymers
  • Plastics and Rubber related to Chemical Technology and engineering
  • Chemical and solid material recycling
  • Processes for working with plastics
  • polymeric foams
  • waste plastics

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