Analysis of flame retarded polymers and recycling materials

• Published in: Chemosphere Vol. 40; no. 9-11; pp. 937 - 941
• Main Authors: RIESS, M, ERNST, T, POPP, R, MÜLLER, B, THOMA, H, VIERLE, O, WOLF, M, VAN ELDIK, R
• Format: Conference Proceeding Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier 01.05.2000
• Subjects: Analysis methods; Applied sciences; Bromine - analysis; Conservation of Natural Resources; Dioxins - analysis; Exact sciences and technology; Flame Retardants - analysis; Furans - analysis; Pollution; Polymers - analysis; Wastes; Scrap polymer; Chemical analysis; Waste treatment; Flame retardant; Organobrominated compounds; Waste reuse; Solid waste; Qualitative analysis; Bromine Organic compounds; Recycling; Chemical reactivity; Organic compounds; Quantitative analysis
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/s0045-6535(99)00336-7

Recycling activities on polymeric materials are increasing and becoming more and more important in recent years. For polymers containing no flame retardants, suitable recycling strategies already exist. In order to investigate the recyclability of flame retarded polymers that contain brominated flame retardants, a number of samples were analysed as received from a recycling company. Following the identification and sorting of the samples according to type of polymers and flame retardants, material recycling was tested for the flame retarded polymers identified to occur most frequently. The reactivity of the flame retardants during the recycling procedure was studied by analysing for brominated dioxins and furans. The results demonstrate that flame retarded polymers can be recycled under certain experimental conditions.