Recycling and processing of plastics by ionizing and non-ionizing radiation

Abstract

Plastic waste contributes negatively to the environment by increasing space occupation, creating health hazards on land, in the air, and at sea. For this reason, they need to be disposed of properly so that they can be recycled efficiently. To combat these impacts and reduce environmental pollution, this project aims to study the recycling process of polypropylene (PP) from industrial waste scraps and polypropylene from urban solid waste (MSW) using ionizing radiation from 0 to 500 kGy. Irradiation processing showed efficiency when compared to other recycling processes, promoting the molecular shearing of PP, reaching ideal lengths of shorter chains to be used as a carrier for additives for adhesives and plastics, and/or to be used as a flow modifier for injecting parts. Ionizing radiation above 100 kGy initiated the formation of cross-links, cross-linking the PP that could be used as fillers for asphalt, construction, and other applications, or as a fuel energy source, contributing to the ecosystem, without changes in the curly lettuce after ecotoxicity tests. The use of ionizing radiation in polymer processing has a great advantage when compared to other plastic recycling systems.