2025 AIChE Annual Meeting

(403l) Investigative Analysis on the Fractionation of Chlorinated Plastics and E-Waste

Authors

Jason Bara, University of Alabama
Chlorinated plastics and e-waste pose significant challenges in recycling due to their complex chemical compositions, which can release harmful substances like dioxins and hydrochloric acid during processing. This research presents an investigative analysis of the fractionation of waste plastics, with a particular focus on PVC, other chlorinated plastics, and e-waste. The investigation explores a method of dissolution-based fractionation using green solvent systems. This process does not require catalysts and proceeds under mild temperature and pressure conditions. This extraction and separation of waste plastics can be tuned to obtain low dispersity fractions at a range of molecular weights. The findings from this investigative analysis highlight the potential of fractionation processes to improve recycling efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and support a circular economy. This research contributes valuable insights into optimizing the management of waste plastics and e-waste, with the ultimate goal of developing more sustainable and effective recycling strategies for these challenging materials.