Method for recycling a polymer material from a vehicle scrap material

The method optimizes the recycling of polyurethane-based materials from vehicle scrap by sorting and mechanical treatment to produce uniform foam flakes, addressing the inefficiencies in ASR recycling and enhancing the recovery of valuable components.

WO2025190721A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-09-18BASF SE
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/055770
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-03-13
Filing Date
2025-03-04
Publication Date
2025-09-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The recycling of automotive shredder residue (ASR) is hindered by its complex mixture of materials, including metals, plastics, rubber, glass, and organic and inorganic compounds, making it difficult to separate and recover individual components efficiently, leading to suboptimal recycling rates and waste of valuable resources.

Method used

A method for recycling polyurethane-based materials from vehicle scrap involves sorting target foam pieces using optical sorting methods based on isocyanate and polyol types, followed by mechanical treatment to achieve uniform foam flakes, and subsequent chemical depolymerization to recover polyols and amines.

Benefits of technology

This method enhances recycling efficiency by reducing transportation and processing costs, improving the uniformity of foam flakes, and increasing the yield and quality of recycled products, particularly polyols and amines.

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Abstract

Method for recycling a polymer material being selected from the group consisting of polyurethanes, polyurethane ureas, polyisocyanurates, and a mixture of two or more thereof, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a scrap material obtained by shredding a vehicle and / or shredding a vehicle and obtaining a scrap material, the scrap material comprising one or more foam pieces made from the polymer material; (b) performing a first sorting step for selecting, from the scrap material, target foam pieces that comprise the polymer material; (c) subjecting the target foam pieces to a mechanical treatment to obtain target foam flakes with a maximum dimension smaller than 120 mm, wherein the first sorting step comprises a sorting step using one or more of optical sorting methods to sort target foam pieces based on the type of isocyanate and / or the type of polyol used to produce the target foam pieces.
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    DE2854940A1

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    EP0090444A2

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    EP0570799A1

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