Frontiers in the Science and Technology of Polymer Recycling

Polymers, main components of plastics and rubbers, are being discarded in increasing quantities. But this waste can also be considered as `plastic gold'. Public concern, coupled with the inherent value of the material, means that recycling is imperative. The present book presents a survey of current knowledge in the form of case studies, including current legal and educational issues. Topics covered also include regulation and practice in NATO countries, the economics of recycling, the reprocessing of single polymers and mixtures, and future prospects and strategies.
Audience: Vital reading for all polymer scientists, technicians and engineers.

1. Introduction.- to Recycling.- Regulations and Practices of Polymer Recycling in NATO Countries (A). European Countries.- Regulations and Practices of Polymer Recycling in NATO Countries (B). Canada and United States of America.- Economic Aspects of Plastics Recycling.- Polymer Recycling for Energy Recovery An Application of Life Cycle Analysis Principles.- 2. Fundamental Issues Pertinent to Polymer Recycling.- Upgrading of Recyclates — the Solution for High Value Applications: Restabilization and Repair.- Biodegradable Materials: State of Art and Future Perspectives.- Polymer Blends’ Technology for Plastics Recycling.- Compatibilization of Heterogeneous Polymer Mixtures from the Plastics Waste Streams.- Morphology Development During Processing of Recycled Polymers.- 3. Reprocessing of Single Type Polymers.- Derivation and Validation of Models to Predict the Properties of Mixtures of Virgin and Recycled Polymers.- Reprocessing of Poly (Vinyl chloride), Polycarbonate and Polyethyleneterepthalate.- Reprocessing of Polyolefins: Changes in Rheology and Reprocessing Case Studies.- 4. Reprocessing of Mixture of Polymers.- Separation Technologies.- Reprocessing of Commingled Polymers and Recycling of Polymer Blends.- Non-Convential Processing Techniques for Polymer Recycling.- Reprocessing and Properties of Homopolymer Blends of Virgin and Recycled Polymers.- 5. Recovery of Chemicals and Energy.- PVC Recycling with Chlorine Recovery.- Thermolytic Processes.- Solvolysis.- Fluidized Bed Incinerator with Energy Recovery System as a Means of Plastic Recycling.- 6. The Way Forward.- Future Perspectives and Strategies of Polymer Recycling.- General Discussion — the Participants’ view.