Characterization of Some Real Mixed Plastics from WEEE: A Focus on Chlorine and Bromine Determination by Different Analytical Methods

Beatrice Beccagutti, Lorenzo Cafiero, Massimiliana Pietrantonio, Stefano Pucciarmati, Riccardo Tuffi and Stefano Vecchio Ciprioti
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Beatrice Beccagutti: Department for Sustainability, ENEA—Casaccia Research Center, Via Anguillarese 301, Santa Maria di Galeria, Rome 00123, Italy
Lorenzo Cafiero: Department for Sustainability, ENEA—Casaccia Research Center, Via Anguillarese 301, Santa Maria di Galeria, Rome 00123, Italy
Massimiliana Pietrantonio: Department for Sustainability, ENEA—Casaccia Research Center, Via Anguillarese 301, Santa Maria di Galeria, Rome 00123, Italy
Stefano Pucciarmati: Department for Sustainability, ENEA—Casaccia Research Center, Via Anguillarese 301, Santa Maria di Galeria, Rome 00123, Italy
Riccardo Tuffi: Department for Sustainability, ENEA—Casaccia Research Center, Via Anguillarese 301, Santa Maria di Galeria, Rome 00123, Italy
Stefano Vecchio Ciprioti: Department of Basic and Applied Science for Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 7, Rome 00161, Italy

Sustainability, 2016, vol. 8, issue 11, 1-17

Abstract: Bromine and chlorine are almost ubiquitous in waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and the knowledge of their content in the plastic fraction is an essential step for proper end of life management. The aim of this study is to compare the following analytical methods: energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (ED-XRF), ion chromatography (IC), ion-selective electrodes (ISEs), and elemental analysis for the quantitative determination of chlorine and bromine in four real samples taken from different WEEE treatment plants, identifying the best analytical technique for waste management workers. Home-made plastic standard materials with known concentrations of chlorine or bromine have been used for calibration of ED-XRF and to test the techniques before the sample analysis. Results showed that IC and ISEs, based upon dissolution of the products of the sample combustion, have not always achieved a quantitative absorption of the analytes in the basic solutions and that bromine could be underestimated since several oxidation states occur after combustion. Elemental analysis designed for chlorine determination is subjected to strong interference from bromine and required frequent regeneration and recalibration of the measurement cell. The most reliable method seemed to be the non-destructive ED-XRF. Calibration with home-made standards, having a similar plastic matrix of the samples, enabled us to carry out quantitative determinations, which have been revealed to be satisfactorily accurate and precise. In all the analyzed samples a total concentration of chlorine and/or bromine between 0.6 and 4 w/w% was detected, compromising the feasibility of a mechanical recycling and suggesting the exploration of an alternative route for managing these plastic wastes.

Keywords: chlorine; bromine; WEEE; plastics; chemical analysis; PVC; flame-retardants; XRF (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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