Recycling automotive shredder residue with terahertz spectroscopy

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for recycling an automotive shredder residue comprising the steps of shredding a vehicle comprising polymeric vehicle parts to produce the automotive shredder residue comprising a plastic fragment mix; and separating target plastic fragments from the plastic fragment mix by an electromagnetic sorter with a spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of the plastic fragment mix. It further relates to a use of an automotive shredder residue for recycling a plastic fragment mix by an electromagnetic sorter with a spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of the plastic fragment mix; and to a fraction of an automotive shredder residue comprising at least 70 wt% of target plastic fragments obtainable by the method; and to a use of an electromagnetic sorter with a spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of a plastic fragment mix for separating target plastic fragments from an automotive shredder residue comprising the plastic fragment mix.

Description

Recycling automotive shredder residue with terahertz spectroscopyThe present invention relates to a method for recycling an automotive shredder residue comprising the steps of shredding a vehicle comprising polymeric vehicle parts to produce the automotive shredder residue comprising a plastic fragment mix; and separating target plastic fragments from the plastic fragment mix by an electromagnetic sorter with a spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of the plastic fragment mix. It further relates to a use of an automotive shredder residue for recycling a plastic fragment mix by an electromagnetic sorter with a spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of the plastic fragment mix; and to a fraction of an automotive shredder residue comprising at least 70 wt% of target plastic fragments obtainable by the method; and to a use of an electromagnetic sorter with a spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of a plastic fragment mix for separating target plastic fragments from an automotive shredder residue comprising the plastic fragment mix.The recycling of automotive shredder residue (ASR) presents several challenges that hinder its efficient and effective recycling. ASR is usually a complex mixture of materials, including metals, plastics, rubber, glass, and various organic and inorganic compounds. The diverse composition makes it difficult to separate and recover individual components, leading to suboptimal recycling rates. Without proper separation, valuable resources remain trapped within the ASR, limiting their recycling. Addressing these problems is crucial to enhance the recycling of ASR and maximize its potential as a valuable resource. Developing effective methods and systems that can efficiently separate and recover the diverse components of ASR, while safely managing and disposing of hazardous substances, will play a vital role in promoting a sustainable and circular economy.EP0692356 suggests to recycle automotive shredder residue by preparing a composite material comprising ASR and a virgin polymer.Vijayan, S.K.; Kibria, M.A.; Uddin, M.H.; Bhattacharya, S. “Pretreatment of Automotive Shredder Residues, Their Chemical Characterisation, and Pyrolysis Kinetics." Sustainability 2021 , 13, 10549 suggests to recycle automotive shredder residue by pyrolysis.Ezzat El Halabi, Mike Third, and Matthew Doolan “Machine-based dismantling of end of life vehicles: A life cycle perspective" Procedia, 29 (2015) 651-655 suggest to recycle automotive shredder residue by machine based dismantling.Juliana Argente Caetano, Valdir Schalch, Javier Mazariegos Pablos “Characterization and recycling of the fine fraction of automotive shredder residue (ASR) for concrete paving blocks production" Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy (2020) 22:835-847 suggest to recycle ASR by solidification with cement, gravel and sand for paving blocks production.Won-Seok Yang et al. “Utilization of automobile shredder residue (ASR) as a reducing agent for the recovery of black copper1’ Korean J. Chem. Eng., 33(4), 1267-1277 (2016) suggests to recycle ASR by using it instead of lump coal as a reducing agent in the copper production.Objects of the present invention was to separate a polymer fraction from ASR, preferably a polyamide fraction or a polyolefin, which is useful for chemical recycling, such as depolymerization of polyamide or pyrolysis of polyolefin. The separation method for ASR should be cheap and reliable. Further object was to recycle black polymer parts from ASR. Another object was to separate a polymer fraction from ASR which is surface-contaminated with motor oil.The object was achieved by a method for recycling an automotive shredder residue comprising the steps of a) shredding a vehicle comprising polymeric vehicle parts to produce the automotive shredder residue comprising a plastic fragment mix; and b) separating target plastic fragments from the plastic fragment mix by an electromagnetic sorter with a spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of the plastic fragment mix.The object was also achieved by a use of an automotive shredder residue for recycling a plastic fragment mix by an electromagnetic sorter with a spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of the plastic fragment mix.The object was also achieved by a use of an electromagnetic sorter with a spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of a plastic fragment mix for separating target plastic fragments from an automotive shredder residue comprising the plastic fragment mix.The object was also achieved by a fraction of the automotive shredder residue comprising at least 70 wt%, preferably at least 85 wt%, and in particular at least 95 wt% of target plastic fragments obtainable by the method for recycling an automotive shredder residue.The automotive shredder residue may be obtainable, preferably is obtained, by shredding vehicles. Preferably, the automotive shredder residue is obtainable by depollution of the vehicles, dismantling the vehicles, shredding the vehicles, and separating metal particles from the shredded vehicles.The vehicles are typically end-of-life vehicles (also called “ELV”), which are typically at least 15 years old. The vehicles can be passenger cars, light-duty or heavy-duty trucks, motorbikes, a utility vehicle, an agricultural vehicle, or recreational vehicles. The vehicle can be an electric vehicle, such as a fully electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle.In depollution of vehicles hazardous liquids such as fuel, lubricating oil, coolants, brake fluids and batteries can be removed from the vehicles prior to shredding.The dismantling of vehicles may comprise selective removal of parts, such as engines, gearboxes, tires, glass, and plastics, for being reused as spare parts for the second-hand market. The dismantling may also comprise the removal of larger plastic components, such as bumpers, dashboard, fluid containers for recycling the plastics separately.The ASR may comprise further waste from other sources. For examples, garbage from the last owners may remain in the trunk or interior of the vehicles. The advantage of the present process is that it can handle broadly varying compositions of the ASR.The shredding can be made with a vehicle shredder machine. Vehicle shredder machines are manufactured in different sizes. Typically, a vehicle shredder machine comprises a heavy fastturning rotor, which may revolve in a vertical or a horizontal plane and is often equipped with swinging hammers. The vehicle shredder machine tears and shreds the car hulk until its parts are reduced to fragments with a desired fragment size, such as up to 30 cm, preferably 1 mm to 15 cm. Then the fragments may pass through grids and leave the rotor housing.After shredding, the metal fragments such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal fragments can be separated from the shredded vehicles. The ferrous metal fragments can be removed by magnetic separators. The non-ferrous metal fragments can be separated from the shredded vehicles by eddy current separators, by heavy media sink / float units which separate on the basis of density, or by manual sorting. Typically, 60 - 90 wt% of the vehicle weight is metal, which can be separated from the shredded vehicle.The automotive shredder residue may represent about 10 - 40 wt%, preferably from 15 - 35, and in particular from 20 - 30 wt% of the original vehicle weight.The automotive shredder residue may comprise fragments of various polymeric vehicle parts, such as fragments of bumpers, interior panels, dashboard, cable insulation, fuel tank, electrical insulation, flexible foam seating, foam insulation panels, automotive suspension bushings, electrical potting compounds, car body parts, pillar coverings, spoilers polymer parts coated with automotive paint, wheel covers, gears, bushes, cams, bearings, weatherproof coatings, interior and exterior trims, fuel systems, gear housings, headlamp retainer, engine cover, connector housings, door handles, carburetor components, exterior mirror components, windscreen wiper components, windscreen wiper protective housings, decorative grilles, cover strips, roof rails, window frames, sliding roof frames, antenna cladding covers, front and rear lights, radiator grill and body exterior parts, engine covers, cylinder head covers, intake pipes, cylinder head covers, engine covers, housings for charge air coolers, charge air cooler valves.The automotive shredder residue may comprise fragments of various polymeric vehicle parts, such as fragments of- bumpers, interior panels, dashboard, cable insulation, where these fragments are often made of polypropylene;- fuel tank, electrical insulation, where these fragments are often made of polyethylene;- flexible foam seating, foam insulation panels, automotive suspension bushings, electrical potting compounds, hard plastic parts, transmission mounts, motor mounts, seals, impact foam parts, where these fragments are often made of polyurethane;- body parts, dashboards, wheel covers, where these fragments are often made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene;- gears, bushes, cams, bearings, charge air coolers, cylinder head covers, oil pans, engine cooling systems, thermostat and heater housings, exhaust systems including mufflers and housings for catalytic converters, air intake manifolds, timing chain belt front covers, where these fragments are often made of nylon 6 or nylon 6.6.;- interior and exterior trims, fuel systems, small gears, where these fragments are often made of polyoxymethylene;- wiper arm and gear housings, headlamp retainer, connector housings, where these fragments are often made of polyethylene terephthalate; and- door handles, bumpers, carburetor components, where these fragments are often made of polybutylene terephthalate.The automotive shredder residue may comprise at least 30 wt%, preferably at least 40 wt%, and in particular at least 50 wt% of the fragments of the polymeric vehicle parts.The automotive shredder residue may comprise at least 20 wt%, preferably at least 30 wt%, and in particular at least 40 wt% of the fragments of the polymeric vehicle parts, which are black polymeric vehicle parts. The black polymeric vehicle parts usually comprise carbon black pigments.The automotive shredder residue may comprise up to 15 wt%, preferably up to 10 wt%, and in particular up to 5 wt% of metal fragments, such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal particles.The automotive shredder residue may comprise up to 15 wt%, preferably up to 10 wt%, and in particular up to 5 wt% of wood and cardboard.The automotive shredder residue may comprise up to 15 wt%, preferably up to 10 wt%, and in particular up to 5 wt% of glass fragments, e.g. broken window glass fragments.The automotive shredder residue can be separated into a shredder light fraction (also called SLF) and a shredder heavy fraction (also called SHF). The separation of the SLF and the SHF can be achieved by air classification. Another air classification can be made by the rotary movement of the vehicle shredder machine may create a fanning action that can blow out the shredder light fraction, and the shredder heavy fraction may leave the vehicle shredder machine through a grid.The SLF can be present in an amount of 55 - 90 wt%, preferably 65 - 85 wt%, and in particular at 70 - 80 wt% of the automotive shredder residue. The SHF may represent the remaining amount to 100 wt%.The SHF can be present in an amount of 10 - 45 wt%, preferably 15 - 35 wt%, and in particular at 20 - 30 wt% of the automotive shredder residue. The SLF may represent the remaining amount to 100 wt%.The SLF usually contains a lower weight percentage of rubber particles than the SHF. The SLF usually contains a lower weight percentage of glass particles than the SHF. The SLF usually contains a lower weight percentage of metal particles than the SHF. The SLF usually contains a higher weight percentage of polyurethane foam particles than the SHF.The SLF usually contains a lower weight percentage of solid and sand than the SHF.Figure 1 shows a possible flow scheme with a suitable process sequence for recycling the automotive shredder residue: Starting from the vehicles, followed by optional depollution, followed by optional dismantling, followed by shredding the vehicles, followed by optional separating the metal fragments from the shredded vehicle, then the ASR is obtained, followed by optional separation of the ASR in shredder light fraction and shredder heavy fraction, followed by the optional aqueous pretreatment, followed by the optional drying, followed by the separating target plastic fragments from the plastic fragment mix by the electromagnetic sorter, followed by the optional recycling of the target plastic fragments.The shredding of the vehicle comprising the polymeric vehicle parts produces the automotive shredder residue comprising the plastic fragment mix. The plastic fragment mix usually comprises the fragments of various polymeric vehicle parts.The plastic fragment mix usually comprises plastic fragments with sizes from 5 to 200 mm, preferably from 50 to 100 mm. Larger or smaller plastic fragments can be removed by sieving or adjusting the shredding conditions.The plastic fragment mix may comprise the target plastic fragments and further fragments. The further fragments may be the fragments of various polymeric vehicle parts, the metal fragments, such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal particles, the wood and cardboard, or the glass fragments. The plastic fragment mix may comprise at least 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90 wt% of the target plastic fragments. The plastic fragment mix may comprise up to 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90 wt% of the further fragments.After the step a) of shredding the vehicles to produce the automotive shredder residue and before the step b) of separating target plastic fragments from the plastic fragment mix by the electromagnetic sorter further steps can made, such as- the metal fragments (such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal fragments) can be separated;- the automotive shredder residue can be separated into a shredder light fraction and a shredder heavy fraction; and / or- the automotive shredder residue, preferably the shredder light fraction and / or the shredder heavy fraction, can be subjected to an aqueous pretreatment selected from washing and from aqueous density separation.Preferably, after the step a) and before the step b) at least one further step is made selected from- separating metal fragments (such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal fragments) from the ASR, the SLF, and / or the SHF; and / or- separating the automotive shredder residue into a shredder light fraction (SLF) and a shredder heavy fraction (SHF).Preferably, after the step a) and before the step b) at least one further step is made selected from- subjecting the automotive shredder residue, preferably the shredder light fraction and / or the shredder heavy fraction, to an aqueous pretreatment selected from washing and from aqueous density separation.Preferably, after the step a) and before the step b) at least one further step is made selected from- separating metal fragments (such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal fragments) from the ASR, the SLF, and / or the SHF;- separating the automotive shredder residue into a shredder light fraction (SLF) and a shredder heavy fraction (SHF); and / or- subjecting the automotive shredder residue, preferably the shredder light fraction and / or the shredder heavy fraction, to an aqueous pretreatment selected from washing and from aqueous density separation.In a preferred form the method for recycling automotive shredder residue further comprises after step a) and before step b) the step of aa) separating the metal fragments from the automotive shredder residue.In another preferred form the method for recycling automotive shredder residue further comprises after step a) and before step b) the steps of ab) separating the automotive shredder residue into a shredder light fraction and a shredder heavy fraction.In another preferred form the method for recycling automotive shredder residue further comprises after step a) and before step b) the steps of aa) separating the metal fragments from the automotive shredder residue, and ab) separating the automotive shredder residue into a shredder light fraction and a shredder heavy fraction.The steps aa) and ab) can be made in any order, or in parallel, or repeatedly.In another preferred form the method for recycling automotive shredder residue comprises a) shredding the vehicle comprising plastic parts to produce the automotive shredder residue comprising the plastic fragment mix; aa) separating the metal fragments (such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal fragments) from the ASR; ab) separating the automotive shredder residue into a shredder light fraction and a shredder heavy fraction; and b) separating target plastic fragments from the plastic fragment mix by an electromagnetic sorter with a spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of the plastic fragment mix.In a preferred form the method for recycling automotive shredder residue further comprises after step a) and before step b) the step of ac) subjecting the automotive shredder residue, preferably the shredder light fraction and / or the shredder heavy fraction, to an aqueous pretreatment selected from washing and from aqueous density separation.In another preferred form the method for recycling automotive shredder residue comprises a) shredding the vehicle comprising plastic parts to produce the automotive shredder residue comprising the plastic fragment mix; aa) separating the metal fragments (such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal fragments) from the ASR; ab) separating the automotive shredder residue into a shredder light fraction and a shredder heavy fraction; and ac) subjecting the automotive shredder residue, preferably the shredder light fraction and / or the shredder heavy fraction, to an aqueous pretreatment selected from washing and from aqueous density separation; and b) separating target plastic fragments from the plastic fragment mix by an electromagnetic sorter with a spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of the plastic fragment mix.The aqueous pretreatment can be selected from washing, such as washing the automotive shredder residue, preferably the shredder light fraction and / or the shredder heavy fraction, with water, which optionally comprises washing additives, such as surfactants or bases. Suitablesurfactants are anionic, neutral or cationic surfactants. Suitable bases are inorganic bases (e.g. sodium hydroxide) or organic bases. The washing can be achieved by spraying the water on the automotive shredder residue, preferably the shredder light fraction and / or the shredder heavy fraction.The aqueous pretreatment can be selected from aqueous density separation, such as in a hydrocyclone or via heavy media separation.The aqueous pretreatment may be followed by a drying step, such as drying the wet automotive shredder residue, the wet shredder light fraction and / or the wet shredder heavy fraction. Suitable drying steps are blowing air, which may have ambient or elevated temperature. The drying step is usually configured to reduce amount of water on the surface, e.g. to remove water drops or a water film.Step b) comprises separating target plastic fragments from the plastic fragment mix by an electromagnetic sorter with a spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of the plastic fragment mix.In general, the electromagnetic sorter comprises a feed system, the spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of the plastic fragments mix, a signal processing software, and a separation system.The feed system is usually adapted to spread products (e.g. plastic fragment mix) into a uniform monolayer of products are presented to the spectroscopic system evenly, without clumps, at a constant velocity. The feed system can be a belt, a channel, a chute or a freefall area. The electromagnetic sorter can be a belt sorter, a channel sorter, a chute-fed sorter or a freefall sorter, where belt sorters are preferred.In a belt sorter the object to be sorted are usually conveyed along a belt and are ejected at the end of the belt after the camera has analyzed the object. The objects may be ejected by one of some nozzles which are actuated to eject the selected objects.Belt sorters typically can only detect a single side of the objects on the belt. The objects on the belt are usually provided in a single layer to allow good detection.The width of the belt in a belt sorter can be between 500 mm and 3,000 mm. The speed of the belt is usually fixed, and can be between 0.5 m / s and 5 m / s.The plastic fragments mix is usually conveyed (e.g. by the feed system) past the spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of the plastic fragment mix.The spectroscopic system is configured to capture terahertz signals of the plastic fragments mix.The spectroscopic system usually captures terahertz signals in the electromagnetic wavelength from 0.01 THz to 10 THz, preferably from 0.05 GHz to 8 THz, and in particular from 0.1 THz to 4 THz.The spectroscopic system may comprise a control unit, an emitter which may generate terahertz signals, and a detector which may receive terahertz signals. Various spectroscopic systems configured to capture terahertz signals are commercially available.The emitter and the detector are usually connected to the control unit by cables or optical fibers. The emitter and the detector are usually housed above and / or below the flow of the objects being inspected. The emitter and the detector may comprise means (e.g. mirrors, lenses, apertures) for manipulating the emitted and received terahertz signal to allow a focus on the position of the feed system. The spectroscopic system can consist of multiple combinations of emitters and detectors to allow multipoint detection (e.g. in a line to realize a line-sensor).The emitter and the detector may also be mounted on a motorized stage that allows a scan of the whole width of a belt. If the feed system is designed to ensure a linear placement of the feed, then the emitter and detector can be fixed in position to enable sequential scanning of the feed.The detected time domain signals can be recorded and postprocessed. A frequency spectrum can be calculated from the time signal via Fourier-transformation. By combining single signals 1 D and / or 2D images can be generated. The hyperspectral images can be processed using image analysis software. The processed signals and / or images will determine if the plastic fragment should be accepted (e.g. the target plastic fragments) or rejected.The repetition frequency of a single terahertz signal depends on the technology used. A time signal acquisition rate (also called scan speed) of at least 40 Hz are desirable, preferably more than 100 Hz, and in particular more than 1000 Hz.The spot size of the spectroscopic system can be smaller than 10mm in diameter, preferably 5mm and in particular 1mm.The spectroscopic system can be used in transmission mode, in reflection mode, or in combination of both modes. The emitter and the detector can be arranged on the same side or on opposite sides of the plastic fragment mix depending on the mode of operation, such as transmission mode, reflection mode, or combination of both modes. The emitter and detector could be aligned in a fixed orientation towards each other, preferably to maximize the detected signal. If reflection and transmission should be combined then two detectors and one or two emitters could be employed. In one form the plastic fragment mix is analyzed by spectroscopic system in reflection mode on a conveyor belt and the emitter and the detector are arranged on the same side of the plastic fragment mix. In another form the plastic fragment mix is analyzed by spectroscopic system in transmission mode in flight when leaving a conveyor belt and the emitter and the detector are arranged on the opposite sides of the plastic fragment mix.The signal processing software may compare objects (e.g. target plastic fragments) to user- defined accept / reject thresholds in order to classify the objects and actuate the separation system. The signal processing software usually bases its comparison on the input from the spectroscopic system. The target plastic fragments are usually classified by terahertz signals in the time domain or frequency domain, preferably by processing time and / or frequency signals in the signal processing software. The target plastic fragments are usually identified by means of the terahertz signals.The separation system uses usually compressed air (e.g. for smaller objects in the ASR) and / or mechanical devices (e.g. for larger products in the ASR) to pinpoints the detected objects while in-air. The separation system may deflect the detected objects (e.g. target plastic fragments) to remove into a reject chute while the good objects continue along its normal trajectory. The separation system is usually triggered by the signal processing software.Usually, at least 70 wt%, preferably 90 wt%, and in particular at least 95 wt% (based on the total weight of the plastic fragment mix) of the target plastic fragments are separated from the plastic fragment mix.The target plastic fragment can be made of any targeted plastic type or mixtures thereof. Usually, the targeted plastic type is a plastic type which is present in the polymeric vehicle parts. Suitable targeted plastic types are polyolefin (such as polypropylene and polyethylene), polyamide (such as nylon 6 or nylon 6.6), halogen-containing polymers (such as polyvinyl chloride), a polyurethane, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, a polyoxymethylene, a polyethylene terephthalate, a polybutylene terephthalate, or a mixture thereof.Preferably, the target plastic fragment is made of a polyamide, a polyolefin, a polyvinyl chloride, or a mixture thereof.In another preferred form the target plastic fragment is made of polyamide 6, polyamide 6.6, or a mixture thereof. In another preferred form the target plastic fragment is made of a polyolefin, such as polypropylene and polyethylene or a mixture thereof. In another preferred form the target plastic fragment is made of a polyvinyl chloride.Halogen-containing polymers such as polychloroprene, chlorinated rubbers, chlorinated and brominated copolymer of isobutylene-isoprene (halobutyl rubber), chlorinated or sulfochlorinated polyethylene, copolymers of ethylene and chlorinated ethylene, epichlorohydrin homo- and copolymers, especially polymers of halogen-containing vinyl compounds, for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC, which may be rigid or flexible), polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, as well as copolymers thereof such as vinyl chloride / vinylidene chloride, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate or vinylidene chloride / vinyl acetate copolymers. Preferred halogen-containing polymers are polyvinyl chlorides.Suitable polyamides comprise a thermoplastic polyamide. Preference is given to semicrystalline or amorphous polyamides with a molecular weight (weight average) of at least 5000. Preferred are aliphatic and semi-aromatic polyamides.Examples of polyamides are polyamides that derive from lactams having from 7 to 13 ring members, e.g. polycaprolactam, polycaprylactam, and polylaurolactam, and also polyamides obtained via reaction of dicarboxylic acids with diamines.Dicarboxylic acids which may be used are alkanedicarboxylic acids having from 4 to 40, preferably from 6 to 12, in particular from 6 to 10, carbon atoms, and aromatic dicarboxylic acids. Merely as examples, those that may be mentioned here are adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid and terephthalic and / or isophthalic acid.Particularly suitable diamines are alkanediamines having from 4 to 12, in particular from 6 to 8, carbon atoms, and also m-xylylenediamine (e.g. Ultramid® X17 from BASF SE, where the molar ratio of m-xylylenediamine (MXDA) to adipic acid is 1:1), di(4-aminophenyl)methane, di(4- aminocyclohexyl)methane, 2,2-di(4-aminophenyl)propane, 2,2-di(4-aminocyclohexyl)propane, and 1,5-diamino-2-methylpentane.Preferred polyamides are polyhexamethyleneadipamide, polyhexamethylenesebacamide, andpolycaprolactam, and also nylon-6 / 6, 6 copolyamides, in particular having a proportion of from 5 to 95% by weight of caprolactam units. Other suitable polyamides are obtainable from coaminoalkylnitriles, e.g. aminocapronitrile (PA 6) and adipodinitrile with hexamethylenediamine (PA 66) via what is known as direct polymerization in the presence of water. Mention may also be made of polyamides obtainable, by way of example, via condensation of 1,4-diaminobutane with adipic acid at an elevated temperature (nylon-4, 6).Other suitable examples are polyamides obtainable via copolymerization of two or more of the abovementioned monomers, and mixtures of two or more polyamides in any desired mixing ratio. Particular preference is given to mixtures of nylon-6, 6 with other polyamides, in particular nylon-6 / 6, 6 copolyamides. Other copolyamides are semiaromatic copolyamides, such as PA 6T / 6 and PA 6T / 66, where the triamine content of these is less than 0.5% by weight, preferably less than 0.3% by weight.The following list comprises suitable polyamides and the monomers comprised:AB polymers:PA 4 PyrrolidonePA 6 £-CaprolactamPA 7 EthanolactamPA 8 CaprylolactamPA 9 9-Aminopelargonic acidPA 11 11 -Aminoundecanoic acidPA 12 LaurolactamAA / BB polymers:PA 46 Tetramethylenediamine, adipic acidPA 56 Pentamethylenediamine, adipic acidPA 510 Pentamethylenediamine, sebacic acidPA 512 Pentamethylenediamine, decanedicarboxylic acidPA 66 Hexamethylenediamine, adipic acidPA 69 Hexamethylenediamine, azelaic acidPA 610 Hexamethylenediamine, sebacic acidPA 612 Hexamethylenediamine, decanedicarboxylic acidPA 613 Hexamethylenediamine, undecanedicarboxylic acidPA 1212 1 ,12-Dodecanediamine, decanedicarboxylic acidPA 1313 1 ,13-Diaminotridecane, undecanedicarboxylic acid PA 6T Hexamethylenediamine, terephthalic acidPA MXD6 m-Xylylenediamine, adipic acidPA 9T Nonamethylenediamine, terephthalic acidAA / BB polymers:PA 61 Hexamethylenediamine, isophthalic acidPA 6-3-T Trimethylhexamethylenediamine, terephthalic acidPA 6 / 6T (see PA 6 and PA 6T)PA 6 / 66 (see PA 6 and PA 66)PA 6 / 12 (see PA 6 and PA 12)PA 66 / 6 / 610 (see PA 66, PA 6 and PA 610)PA 6I / 6T, PA 6T / 6I (see PA 6I and PA 6T)PA PACM 12 Diaminodicyclohexylmethane, laurolactamPA 6I / 6T / PACM as PA 6I / 6T + diaminodicyclohexylmethanePA 6 / 6.36 Caprolactam / hexamethylenediamine, Cse-dicarboxylic acidPA 6T / 66 (see PA 6T and PA 66)PA 12 / M ACM I Laurolactam, dimethyldiaminodicyclohexylmethane, isophthalic acid PA 12 / MACMT Laurolactam, dimethyldiaminodicyclohexylmethane, terephthalic acid PA PDA-T Phenylenediamine, terephthalic acidMost preferred polyamides are PA 6, PA 66, PA 6 / 66, PA 66 / 6, PA 6 / 6.36, PA 6I / 6T, PA 6T / 6I, PA 9T and PA 6T / 66.The polyamide plastic parts may comprise glass fibers. The polyamide plastic parts may comprise up to 60 wt%, preferably up to 50 wt%, and in particular up to 40 wt% of the glass fibers, such as 20 to 40 wt%. In another form the polyamide plastic parts may comprise up to 20 wt%, preferably up to 5 wt%, and in particular up to 0.5 wt% of glass fibers, such as 0 wt%,Suitable polyolefins are:1. Polymers of monoolefins and diolefins, for example polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polybut- 1-ene, poly-4-methylpent-1-ene, polyvinylcyclohexane, polyisoprene or poly-butadiene, polyhexene, polyoctene, as well as polymers of cycloolefins, for instance of cyclopentene, cyclohexene, cyclooctene or nor-bornene, polyethylene (which optionally can be crosslinked), for example high density polyethylene (HDPE), high density and high molecular weight polyethylene (HDPE-HMW), high density and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (HDPE- UHMW), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), (VLDPE) and (ULDPE).Polyolefins, i.e. the polymers of monoolefins exemplified in the preceding paragraph, preferably polyethylene and polypropylene, can be prepared by different, and especially by the following, methods: a) radical polymerisation (normally under high pressure and at elevated temperature). b) catalytic polymerisation using a catalyst that normally contains one or more than one metal of groups IVb, Vb, Vlb or VIII of the Periodic Table. These metals usually have one or more than one ligand, typically oxides, halides, alcoholates, esters, ethers, amines, alkyls, alkenyls and / or aryls that may be either - or o-coordinated. These metal complexes may be in the free form or fixed on substrates, typically on activated magnesium chloride, titanium(lll) chloride, alumina or silicon oxide. These catalysts may be soluble or insoluble in the polymerisation medium. The catalysts can be used by themselves in the polymerisation or further activators may be used, typically metal alkyls, metal hydrides, metal alkyl halides, metal alkyl oxides or metal alkyloxanes, said metals being elements of groups la, Ila and / or Illa of the Periodic Table. The activators may be modified conveniently with further ester, ether, amine or silyl ether groups. These catalyst systems are usually termed Phillips, Standard Oil Indiana, Ziegler (-Natta), TNZ (DuPont), metallocene or single-site catalysts (SSC).2. Mixtures of the polymers mentioned under 1., for example mixtures of polypropylene with polyisobutylene, polypropylene with polyethylene (for example PP / HDPE, PP / LDPE) and mixtures of different types of polyethylene (for example LDPE / HDPE).3. Copolymers of monoolefins and diolefins with each other or with other vinyl monomers, for example ethylene / propylene copolymers, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and mixtures thereof with low density polyethylene (LDPE), very low density polyethylene, propylene / but-1- ene copolymers, propylene / isobutylene copolymers, ethylene / but-1-ene copolymers, ethylene / hexene copolymers, ethylene / methylpentene copolymers, ethylene / heptene copolymers, ethylene / octene copolymers, ethylene / vinylcyclohexane copolymers, ethylene / cycloolefin copolymers (e.g. ethylene / norbornene like COC), ethylene / 1 -olefins copolymers, where the 1 -olefin is generated in-situ; propylene / butadiene copolymers, isobutylene / isoprene copolymers, ethylene / vinylcyclohexene copolymers, ethylene / alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene / alkyl methacrylate copolymers, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymers or ethylene / acrylic acid copolymers and their salts (ionomers) as well as terpolymers of ethylene with propylene and a diene such as hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene or ethylidene-norbornene; and mixtures of such copolymers with one another and with polymers mentioned in 1) above, for example polypropylene / ethylene-propylene copolymers, LDPE / ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), LDPE / ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers (EAA), LLDPE / EVA, LLDPE / EAA and alternating or random polyalkylene / carbon monoxide copolymers and mixtures thereof with other polymers, for example polyamides.Preferably, the polyolefins are polymers of monoolefins and diolefins, for example polypropylene and polyethylene.The target plastic fragment may be surface-contaminated with motor oil from the vehicles. The motor oil may selected from the group consisting of mineral oils (Group I, II or III oils), polyalphaolefins (Group IV oils), polymerized and interpolymerized olefins, alkyl naphthalenes, alkylene oxide polymers, silicone oils, phosphate esters and carboxylic acid esters (Group V oils). Preferably, the base oil is selected from Group I, Group II, Group III base oils according to the definition of the API, or mixtures thereof. Definitions for the base oils are the same as those found in the American Petroleum Institute (API) publication "Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System", Industry Services Department, Fourteenth Edition, December 1996, Addendum 1, December 1998. Said publication categorizes base oils as follows: a) Group I base oils contain less than 90 percent saturates (ASTM D 2007) and / or greater than 0.03 percent sulfur (ASTM D 2622) and have a viscosity index (ASTM D 2270) greater than or equal to 80 and less than 120. b) Group II base oils contain greater than or equal to 90 percent saturates and less than or equal to 0.03 percent sulfur and have a viscosity index greater than or equal to 80 and less than 120. c) Group III base oils contain greater than or equal to 90 percent saturates and less than or equal to 0.03 percent sulfur and have a viscosity index greater than or equal to 120. d) Group IV base oils contain polyalphaolefins. Polyalphaolefins (PAG) include known PAO materials which typically comprise relatively low molecular weight hydrogenated polymers or oligomers of alphaolefins which include but are not limited to C2 to about C32 alphaolefins with the C8 to about C16 alphaolefins, such as 1 -octene, 1 -decene, 1 -dodecene and the like being preferred. The preferred polyalphaolefins are poly-1 -octene, poly-1 -decene, and poly-1 -dode-cene. e) Group V base oils contain any base oils not described by Groups I to IV. Examples of Group V base oils include alkyl naphthalenes, alkylene oxide polymers, silicone oils, and phosphate esters.The target plastic fragment can be of any color, such as white, black, blue, red, green, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the target plastic fragment is black-colored. The target plastic fragment, which is black-colored usually comprise carbon black pigments.The target plastic fragments may comprise glass fibers, such as up to 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5, 1, 0.5 or 0.1 wt%. In another form the target plastic fragments are free of glass fibers.The method may further comprise a step c) of recycling the target plastic fragments, which were separated from the plastic fragment mix in step b).The recycling of the target plastic fragments may comprise a pyrolysis of the target plastic fragments, such as of target plastic fragments made of polyolefins.The recycling of the target plastic fragments may comprise a depolymerization of the target plastic fragments, such as of target plastic fragments made of polyamide.In another form the method comprises the step:- converting the target plastic fragments obtainable by or obtained by the method according to the invention or a chemical material obtainable by or obtained by the method according to the invention to obtain a product PRF1.The product PRF1 may be selected from: i) building block or monomer; or ii) polymer, preferably polymer A, polymer composition, preferably polymer composition A, or polymer product, preferably polymer product A; or iii) industrial use polymer, industrial use surfactant, descaling compound, industrial use biocide, industrial use solvent, industrial use dispersant, composition thereof or formulation thereof; or iv) agrochemical composition, agrochemical formulation auxiliary or agrochemically active ingredient; or v) active pharmaceutical ingredient or intermediate thereof, pharmaceutical excipient, animal feed additive, human food additive, dietary supplements, aroma chemical or aroma composition; or vi) aqueous polymer dispersion, preferably polyurethane or polyurethane - poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymer dispersion, emulsion, binder for paper and fiber coatings, UV-curable acrylic polymer for hot melts and coatings polyisocyanates, hyperbranched polyester polyol, polymeric dispersant for inorganic binder compositions, unsaturated polyester polyol or 100% curable composition; or vii) cosmetic surfactant, emollient, wax, cosmetic polymer, UV filter, further cosmetic ingredient or composition or formulation thereof; or viii) polymer B, polymer composition B, coating composition, other functional composition, foil, molded body, coating or coated substrate.The content of the target plastic fragments in the product PRF1 can be 1 weight-% or more, preferably 2 weight-% or more, more preferably 5 weight-% or more, more preferably 15 weight- % or more, more preferably 30 weight-% or more, more preferably 40 weight-% or more, more preferably 60 weight-% or more, more preferably 80 weight-% or more, more preferably 90 weight-% or more, more preferably 95 weight-% or more; and / or the content of the target plastic fragments in the product PRF1 can be 100 weight-% or less, preferably 95 weight-% or less, more preferably 90 weight-% or less, more preferably 50 weight- % or less, more preferably 25 weight-% or less, more preferably 10 weight-% or less; and preferably wherein the content is determined based on identity preservation and / or segregation and / or mass balance and / or book and claim chain of custody models, preferably based on mass balance, preferably the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard.The publication Prior Art Disclosure; Issue 684; paragraphs

[1000] to

[8005] ; ISSN: 2198-4786; published: February 12, 2024 will be regarded as Reference RF1 , which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Preferably, the product PRF1 is a product as described in Reference RF1 ; paragraphs

[1000] to

[8005] , Preferably, the method described herein is further a method for the production of a product, preferably product PRF1.The converting step to obtain the product PRF1 preferably comprises one or more step(s) as described below and can be performed by conventional methods well known to a person skilled in the art. The converting step preferably comprises one or more step(s) selected from: recycling, preferably depolymerizing, gasifying, pyrolyzing, and / or steam cracking; and / or purifying, preferably crystallizing, (solvent) extracting, distilling, evaporating, hydrotreating, absorbing, adsorbing and / or subjecting to ion exchanger; and / or assembling, preferably foaming, synthesizing, chemical conversion, chemically transforming, polymerizing and / or compounding; and / or forming, preferably foaming, extruding and / or molding; and / or finishing, preferably coating and / or smoothing.In addition, the one or more step(s) are described in detail in Reference RF1; paragraphs

[1000] to

[8005] ,The term “building block”, as used herein, comprises compounds, which are in a gaseous or liquid state under standard conditions of 0°C and 0.1 MPa. Building blocks are typically used in chemical industry to form secondary products, which provide a higher structural complexity and / or higher molecular weight than the building block on which the secondary product is based. The building block is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycols, syngas comprising a mixture ofhydrogen and carbon monoxide, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and aromatic compounds. The alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and aromatic compounds comprise in particular 1 to 12 carbon atoms, respectively.The term “monomer”, as used herein, comprises molecules, which can react with each other to form polymer chains by polymerization. The monomer is preferably selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic acid, salts of (meth)acrylic acid; in particular sodium, potassium and zinc salts; (meth)acrolein and (meth)acrylates. (Meth)acrylates comprising 1 to 22 carbon atoms are preferred, in particular comprising 1 to 8 carbon atoms. The terms (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrolein or (meth)acrylate relate to acrylic acid, acrolein or acrylate and also to methacrylic acid, methacrolein or methacrylate, where applicable. Further, the monomer can be selected from hexamethylenediamine (HMD) and adipic acid.The building block can further be an intermediate compound. The term “intermediate compound”, as used herein, comprises organic reagents, which are applied for formation of compounds with higher molecular complexity. The intermediate compound can be selected for example from the group consisting of phosgene, polyisocyanates and propylene oxide. The polyisocyanates are in particular aromatic di- and polyisocyanates, preferably toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and / or diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI).The building block and the monomer and typical converting step(s) to obtain the building block or monomer are described in more detail in paragraphs

[1000] to

[1012] of Reference RF1.The term “polymer A”, as used herein, comprises thermoplastic, e.g., polyamide or thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoset, e.g., polyurethane, elastomer, e.g., polybutadiene, or a copolymer or a mixture thereof and is defined in more detail in paragraphs

[2001] to

[2007] of Reference RF1.The term “polymer composition A”, as used herein, comprises all compositions comprising a polymer as described above and one or more additive(s), e.g. reinforcement, colorant, modifier and / or flame retardant, and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[2008] of Reference RF1.The term “polymer product A”, as used herein, comprises any product comprising the polymer A and / or polymer composition A as described above and is defined in more detail in paragraphs

[2009] and

[2010] of Reference RF1.The step(s) to obtain the polymer, preferably polymer A, polymer composition, preferably polymer composition A or polymer product, preferably polymer product A is / are described in more detail in paragraph

[2011] of Reference RF1.The term “industrial use polymer”, as used herein, comprises rheology, polycarboxylate, alkoxylated polyalkylenamine, alkoxylated polyalkylenimine, polyether-based, dye inhibition and soil release cleaning polymers defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3035] to

[3044] of Reference RF1. The term “industrial use surfactant”, as used herein, comprises non-ionic, anionic and amphoteric industrial use surfactants defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3008] to

[3034] of Reference RF1. The term “industrial use descaling compound”, as used herein, comprises non-phosphate based builders (NPB) and phosphonates (CoP) described in more detail in paragraphs

[3001] to

[3005] of Reference RF1. The term “industrial use biocide”, as used herein, refers to a chemical compound that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth or reproduction defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3006] to

[3007] of Reference RF1. The term “industrial use solvent”, as used herein, comprises alkyl amides, alkyl lactamides, alkyl esters, lactate esters, alkyl diester, cyclic alkyl diester, cyclic carbonates, aromatic aldehydes and aromatic esters defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3045] to

[3055] of Reference RF1. The term “industrial use dispersant”, as used herein, comprises anionic and non-ionic industrial use dispersants defined in more detail in paragraphs

[3056] to

[3058] of Reference RF1. The term “composition and / or formulation thereof” with reference to the industrial use polymers, industrial use surfactants, descaling compounds and / or industrial use biocides refers to industrial use compositions and / or institutional use products and / or fabric and home care products and / or personal care products defined in more detail in paragraph

[3059] of Reference RF1. The converting step(s) to obtain the industrial use polymer, industrial use surfactant, descaling compound and / or industrial use biocide are defined in more detail in paragraph

[3060] of Reference RF1. The converting steps to obtain the industrial use composition or formulation of the industrial use polymer, industrial use surfactant, descaling compound and / or industrial use biocide are defined in more detail in paragraph

[3061] of Reference RF1.The term “agrochemical composition”, as used herein, typically relates to a composition comprising an agrochemically active ingredient and at least one agrochemical formulation auxiliary. Examples of agrochemical compositions, active ingredients and auxiliaries are described in more detail in Reference RF1, paragraph

[4001] ,The agrochemical composition may take the form of any customary formulation. The agrochemical compositions are prepared in a known manner, e.g. described by Mollet and Grubemann, Formulation technology, Wiley VCH, Weinheim, 2001 ; or Knowles, New developments in crop protection product formulation, Agrow Reports DS243, T&F Informa, London, 2005. The converting step(s) to obtain the agrochemically active ingredients and auxiliaries may be conducted in analogy to the production step(s) of their analogues that are based on petrochemicals or other precursors that are not gained by recycling processes. Inaddition, conversion to compounds mentioned in sections “Polymer” and “Cosmetic surfactant, emollient, wax, cosmetic polymer, UV filter, further cosmetic ingredient or compositions or formulations thereof’ may be performed as described in these sections as well as the respective paragraphs in Reference RF1.The term active pharmaceutical ingredients and / or intermediates thereof, as used herein, comprises substances that provide pharmacological activity or other direct effect in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or to affect the structure or any function of the body. Intermediates thereof are isolated products that are generated during a multi-step route of synthesis of an active pharmaceutical ingredient. The term pharmaceutical excipients, as used herein, comprises compounds or compound mixtures used in compositions for various pharmaceutical applications, which are not substantially pharmaceutically active on itself. Active pharmaceutical ingredients and / or intermediates thereof and pharmaceutical excipients are defined in more detail in paragraph

[5001] of Reference RF1.The converting step(s) to obtain the active pharmaceutical ingredients and / or intermediates thereof and pharmaceutical excipients may comprise one or more synthesis steps and can be performed by conventional synthesis and techniques well known to a person skilled in the art.The terms animal feed additives, human food additives, dietary supplements, as used herein, comprises Vitamins, Pro-Vitamins and active metabolites thereof including intermediates and precursors, especially Vitamin A, B, E, D, K and esters thereof, like acetate, propionate, palmitate esters or alcohols thereof like retinol or salts thereof and any combinations thereof; Tetraterpenes, especially isoprenoids like carotenoids and xanthophylls including their intermediates and precursors as well as mixtures and derivates thereof, especially beta carotene, Canthaxanthin, Citranaxanthin, Astaxanthin, Zeaxanthin, Lutein, Lycopene, Apocarotenoids, and any combinations thereof; organic acids, especially formic acid, propionic acid and salts thereof, such as sodium, calcium or ammonium salts, and any combinations thereof, such as but not limited to mixtures of formic acid and sodium formiate, propionic acid and ammonium propionate, formic acid and propionic acid, formic acid and sodium formiate and propionic acid, propionic acid and sodium propionate and formic acid and sodium formiate; glycerides of carboxylic acids and short and medium chain fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acids, such as omega-6 fatty acid (C18:2) methyl ester and 1,2-propandiol and beverage stabilizers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone-polymer or polyvinylimidazole / polyvinylpyrrolidone-copolymer.Animal feed additives, human food additives and dietary supplements are defined in more detail in paragraph

[5002] of Reference RF1.The converting step(s) to obtain the animal feed additives, human food additives, dietary supplements may comprise one or more synthesis steps and can be performed by conventional synthesis and techniques well known to a person skilled in the art.The terms aroma chemical and aroma composition as used herein, comprise a volatile organic substance with a molecular weight between 70-250 g / mol comprising a functional group with a carbon skeleton of C5-C16 carbon atoms comprising linear, branched, cyclic, for example with a ring size of C5-C18, bicyclic or tricyclic aliphatic chains and but not necessarily one or more unsaturated structural elements like double bonds, triple bonds, aromatics or heteroaromatics and preferably the one or more additional functional groups are selected from alcohol, ether, ester, ketone, aldehyde, acetal, carboxylic acid, nitrile, thiol, amine. In one aspect, the aroma chemical is a terpene-based aroma chemical, for example selected from monoterpenes and monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids, diterpenes, triterpenes or tetraterpenes. Aroma chemicals can be combined with further aroma chemicals to give an aroma composition. Aroma chemicals and aroma compositions are defined in more detail in paragraph

[5003] of Reference RF1.The converting step(s) to obtain the aroma chemical and aroma composition may comprise one or more synthesis steps and can be performed by conventional synthesis and techniques well known to a person skilled in the art.The term “aqueous polymer dispersion”, as used herein, comprises aqueous composition(s) comprising dispersed polymer(s) and is defined in more detail in the section

[6001] entitled “aqueous polymer dispersion” of Reference RF1. The dispersed polymer(s) may be selected from acrylic emulsion polymer(s), styrene acrylic emulsion polymer(s), styrene butadiene dispersion(s), aqueous dispersion(s) comprising composite particles, acrylate alkyd hybrid dispersion(s), polyurethane(s) (including UV-curable polyurethanes) and polyurethane - poly(meth) acrylate hybrid polymer(s). The term “emulsion polymer”, as used herein, comprises polymer(s) made by free-radical emulsion polymerization. Aqueous polyurethane dispersion(s) are defined in more detail in the section

[6002] entitled “Polyurethane dispersions” of Reference RF1. UV-curable polyurethane(s) is / are defined in more detail in the section

[6017] of Reference RF1. Polyurethane - poly(meth)acrylate hybrid polymer(s) is / are defined in more detail in the section

[6016] of Reference RF1.The term “polymeric dispersant”, as used herein, comprises preferably polymer(s) comprising polyether side chain, in particular polycarboxylate ether polymer(s) and polycondensationproduct(s) defined in more detail in paragraph

[6020] entitled “Polymeric dispersant” of Reference RF1.The converting (polymerization) step(s) to obtain the aqueous polymer dispersion(s) comprising emulsion polymer(s) is / are defined in more detail in the section

[6003] entitled “Emulsion polymerization” of Reference RF1.The converting (polymerization) step(s) to obtain the aqueous polyurethane dispersion(s) is / are defined in more detail in the section

[6014] entitled “Process for the preparation of aqueous polyurethane dispersions” and section

[6017] entitled “Aqueous UV-curable polyurethane dispersions, their preparation and use and compositions containing them” of Reference RF1. Composition(s) and uses of aqueous polymer dispersion(s) and of polymeric dispersant(s) are defined in more detail in the following sections of Reference RF1 : section

[6004] entitled “Uses of aqueous polymer dispersions”, section

[6005] entitled “Binders for architectural and construction coatings” section

[6006] entitled “Binders for paper coating” section

[6007] entitled “Binders for fiber bonding” section

[6008] entitled “Adhesive polymers and adhesive compositions” section

[6015] entitled “Aqueous polyurethane dispersions suitable for use in coating compositions” section

[6016] entitled “Aqueous polyurethane - poly(meth)acrylate hybride polymer dispersions suitable for use in coating compositions” section

[6017] entitled “Aqueous UV-curable polyurethane dispersions, their preparation and use and compositions containing them” section

[6018] entitled “Inorganic binder compositions comprising polymeric dispersants and their use”

[6019] 100% curable coating compositionsUV-crosslinkable poly(meth)acrylate(s) and its / their uses are defined in more detail in section

[6009] entitled “UV-crosslinkable poly(meth)acrylates for use in UV-curable solvent-free hotmelt adhesives and their use for making pressure-sensitive self-adhesive articles” of Reference RF1.Polyisocyanate(s), composition(s) comprising them and their uses are defined in more detail in section

[6010] entitled “Polyisocyanates” of Reference RF1.Hyperbranched polyester polyol(s) and its / their uses are defined in more detail in section

[6011] entitled “Organic solvent based hyperbranched polyester polyols suitable for use in coating compositions” of Reference RF1. The converting step(s) to obtain the hyperbranched polyesterpolyols is / are defined in more detail in the section

[6012] entitled “Preparation of organic solvent based hyperbranched polyester polyols” of Reference RF1. Coating composition(s) comprising hyperbranched polyester polyol(s), polyisocyanate(s) and additive(s) and substrate(s) coated therewith are defined in more detail in section

[6013] entitled “Organic solvent based two component coating compositions comprising hyperbranched polyester polyols and polyisocyanates” of Reference RF1.Unsaturated polyester polyol(s), solvent-based coating composition(s) comprising said unsaturated polyester polyol(s) and substrate(s) for coating with said coating composition(s) are defined in more detail in section

[6018] entitled “Organic solvent based coating composition comprising unsaturated polyester polyols” of Reference RF1.100% curable coating composition(s) is / are defined in more detail in section

[6019] of Reference RF1.Polymeric dispersant(s) for inorganic binder compositions is / are defined in more detail in section

[6020] of Reference RF1. The inorganic binder composition(s) comprising the polymeric dispersants and their use are defined in more detail in section

[6021] of Reference RF1. The converting step(s) to obtain the polymeric dispersant(s) are defined in more detail in section

[6020] of Reference RF1. The term “inorganic binder composition” comprising the polymeric dispersant(s), as used herein, comprises preferably in particular hydraulically setting compositions and compositions comprising calcium sulfate and is defined in more detail in section

[6021] of Reference RF1 entitled “Inorganic binder compositions comprising the polymeric dispersant and their use”. Specific building material formulation(s) comprising polymeric dispersant(s) or building product(s) produced by a building material formulation comprising a polymeric dispersant are disclosed in more detail in section

[6021] of Reference RF1.The term “cosmetic surfactant”, as used herein, comprises non-ionic, anionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7002] of Reference RF1. The term “emollient”, as used herein, refers to a chemical compound used for protecting, moisturizing, and / or lubricating the skin and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7003] of Reference RF1. The term “wax”, as used herein, comprises pearlizers and opacifiers and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7004] of Reference RF1. The term “cosmetic polymer”, as used herein, comprises any polymer that can be used as an ingredient in a cosmetic formulation and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7005] of Reference RF1. The term “UV filter”, as used herein, refers to a chemical compound that blocks or absorbs ultraviolet light and is defined in more detail in paragraph

[7006] of Reference RF1. The term “further cosmeticingredient”, as used herein, comprises any ingredient suitable for making a cosmetic formulation. Several sources disclose cosmetically acceptable ingredients. E. g. the database Cosing on the internet pages of the European Commission discloses cosmetic ingredients and the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, edited by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), discloses cosmetic ingredients. The term “composition and / or formulation thereof” with reference to the cosmetic surfactant, emollient, wax, cosmetic polymer, UV filter and / or further cosmetic ingredient refers to personal care and / or cosmetic compositions or formulations defined in more detail in paragraph

[7007] of Reference RF1. The converting step(s) to obtain the cosmetic surfactant, emollient, wax, cosmetic polymer, UV filter or further cosmetic ingredient is / are defined in more detail in paragraph

[7008] of Reference RF1.The terms “polymer B”, “polymer composition B”, “coating composition”, “other functional composition”, “foil”, “molded body”, “coating” and “coated substrate” are well known to the person skilled in the art and are defined in more detail from paragraph

[8000] to

[8005] of Reference RF1.ExamplesExample 1 - Preparation of ASRTo prepare the model ASR-1 to ASR-3 the single components are collected from a local ELV collector company (an authorized treatment facility which depollutes ELV) from various about 15 year old passenger cars. For examples, glass is the glass from front windshields and rear windows, dirt is collected as attached to the car exterior, PUR foam is collected from the seat foam, and plastic is collected from selected plastic parts of the cars, such as wheel covers, dashboard, wiper arm, door handle, gears, and bushes, where the type of polymer is known.The model ASR-1 to ASR-3 also comprise at least 10 wt% black plastic parts of made of various polymers, such as polyamide or polyolefin.The model ASR-1 to ASR-3 also comprises plastics which is surface contaminated with motor oil from end-of-life vehicles. About 50 wt% of the plastics (based on the total amount of the plastics) show a visible surface contamination with motor oil.The model ASR-1 to ASR-3 are prepared in 5 kg batches by weighing in the components and by shredding the components listed in Table 1 first by hand with a hammer and metal scissors,followed by shredding with a four-shaft shredder (like Model “JFS 8080” from Jogindra, India with main blade rotation diameter 245 mm, assistant rotation diameter 270 mm, 42 main blades, 20 assistant blades, 25 rpm main axle rotation speed, 120-200 kg / hr capacity). The maximum fragment size is 10 cm.Table 1 : Composition of model ASR (amounts in wt%)Example 2 - Preparation of shredder light fractions and shredder heavy fractionsTo prepare the model shredder light fractions SLF-1 to SLF-3 and the shredder heavy fractions SHF-1 to SHF-3 the single components are collected from a local ELV collector company as described in Example 1.The model SLF-1 to SLF-3 and SHF-1 to SHF-3 also comprise at least 15 wt% black plastic parts of made of various polymers, such as polyamide or polyolefin. Some of the black polyamide parts comprise about 30 wt% glass fibers.The samples are prepared in 5 kg batches by weighing in the components and by shredding the components listed in Tables 2 and 3 first by hand with a hammer and metal scissors, followed by shredding with a four-shaft shredder as described above. The maximum fragment size is 5 cm. The typical fragment size is 1 to 3 cm.Table 2: Composition of SLF (amounts in wt%)Table 3: Composition of SHF (amounts in wt%)Example 3 - Separating polyamide plastic fragments from ASRA 5 kg sample of each ASR-1 to ASR-3 from Example 1 which comprises plastics which is surface contaminated with motor oil is sorted on a belt sorter, which is eguipped with a pilot plant conveyor belt (50 cm width, running at up to 0.5), a commercial terahertz spectroscopic system, where a femtosecond laser (laser pulse width 80 fs, repetition rate 100 Mhz) is used to produce near-infrared laser light (1560 nm) which is converted in photoconductive switches to terahertz waves. The system has a terahertz emitter which has a InGaAs / lnP photoconductive switch with a 100 pm strip-line antenna and a 2.5 m fiber pigtail, a terahertz detector with a InGaAs / lnP photoconductive switch with a 25 pm dipole antenna, 10 pm gap and a 2.5 m fiber pigtail. The scan range is from 5 to 200 ps with a scan speed of 6 traces / s (200 ps) to 166traces / s (5 ps) in a spectral range of 0.1-6 Thz. This terahertz spectroscopic system is operated in reflection mode.The terahertz spectroscopic system is connected to a computer which receives and analyzes the data. In case the computer identifies a polyamide target plastic fragment by means of its terahertz signal, then the computer triggers the respective air ejector solenoid valve. Thus, the polyamide fragments are separated from the samples.In addition, the polyamide plastic segments which are not separated from the samples are picked manually and weighed out. Typically, at least 80 wt% of the polyamide plastic fragments in each ASR-1 to ASR-3 samples can be separated by the belt sorter.A 5 kg sample of each ASR-3 from Example 1 is washed with organic solvents to remove the surface contamination with motor oil, and the sorting is made as described in this Example 3. Typically, at least 80 wt% of the polyamide plastic fragments in the ASR-3 sample can be separated by the belt sorter similar to the surface contaminated sample ASR-3. Thus, the surface contamination with motor oil does not influence the separation.Example 4 - Separating polyamide plastic fragments from SLFA 5 kg sample of each SLF-1 to SLF-3 from Example 2 is sorted on a belt sorter as described in Example 3. Typically, at least 80 wt% of the polyamide plastic fragments in each SLF-1 to SLF- 3 from samples can be separated.Example 5 - Separating polyamide plastic fragments from SHFA 5 kg sample of each SHF-1 to SHF-3 from Example 2 is sorted on a belt sorter as described in Example 3. Typically, at least 80 wt% of the polyamide plastic fragments in each SHF-1 to SHF-3 from samples can be separated.Example 6 - Separating polyolefin plastic fragments from ASRA 5 kg sample of each ASR-1 to ASR-3 from Example 1 is sorted on a belt sorter as described in Example 3, except that the computer is configured to identify a polyolefin target plastic fragment by means of its terahertz signals.In addition, the polyolefin plastic segments which are not separated from the samples are picked manually and weighed out. Typically, at least 80 wt% of the polyolefin plastic fragments in each ASR-1 to ASR-3 samples can be separated.Example 7 - Separating polyolefin plastic fragments from SLFA 5 kg sample of each SLF-1 to SLF-3 from Example 2 is sorted on a belt sorter as described in Example 3, except that the computer is configured to identify a polyolefin target plastic fragment by means of its terahertz signals. Typically, at least 80 wt% of the polyolefin plastic fragments in each SLF-1 to SLF-3 from samples can be separated.Example 8 - Separating polyolefin plastic fragments from SHFA 5 kg sample of each SHF-1 to SHF-3 from Example 2 is sorted on a belt sorter as described in Example 3, except that the computer is configured to identify a polyolefin target plastic fragment by means of its terahertz signals. Typically, at least 80 wt% of the polyolefin plastic fragments in each SHF-1 to SHF-3 from samples can be separated.Example 9 - Separating PVC plastic fragments from ASRA 5 kg sample of each ASR-1 to ASR-3 from Example 1 is sorted on a belt sorter as described in Example 3, except that the computer is configured to identify a PVC target plastic fragment by means of its terahertz signals.In addition, the PVC plastic segments which are not separated from the samples are picked manually and weighed out. Typically, at least 85 wt% of the PVC plastic fragments in each ASR-1 to ASR-3 samples can be separated.Example 10 - Neutral depolymerization of polyamide plastic fragments from ASRThe polycaprolactam in the polyamide plastic fragments which are separated from ASR-1 to ASR-3 in Example 3 is depolymerized under neutral conditions to produce caprolactam as follows:In an autoclave 100 g of the polyamide plastic fragments which are separated from ASR-1 to ASR-3 in Example 3 are heated to 310°C with 500 g of water for 1.5 hours. After cooling, the solids are removed by filtration, and the water is evaporated in vacuo at temperatures < 80 °C, caprolactam is then removed from the reaction mixture by distillation at 150 °C in vacuo.Example 11 - Acidic depolymerization of polyamide plastic fragments from ASRThe polycaprolactam in the polyamide plastic fragments which are separated from ASR-1 to ASR-3 in Example 3 is depolymerized under acidic conditions to produce caprolactam as follows:An Erlenmeyer flask is charged with 100 g of ASR-1 , ASR-2 or ASR-3 along with 500 mL of 86% by weight phosphoric acid. The mixture is stirred for 5 hours and the solid residue is filtered from the acid solution and discarded. The filtrate contains a solution of polycaprolactam. The polycaprolactam dissolved in phosphoric acid is fed to a depolymerization reactor at a nominal rate equal to 5% by weight H3PO4based on the amount of nylon present. The polymer is depolymerized and the liberated caprolactam is distilled out by feeding superheated steam with a nominal temperature of 480°C to the reactor. Oils are separated from the aqueous distillate. The distillate is then concentrated to approximately 80% by weight caprolactam. The concentrated lactam solution is then further concentrated to nominally 99% by weight caprolactam by distilling the solution through two thin-film evaporators in series. The 99% by weight lactam is rectified with 5% by weight lime before being distilled a final time in a thin-film evaporator. The resulting caprolactam 99.7% by weight pure.

Claims

Claims1. A method for recycling an automotive shredder residue comprising the steps of a) shredding a vehicle comprising polymeric vehicle parts to produce the automotive shredder residue comprising a plastic fragment mix; and b) separating target plastic fragments from the plastic fragment mix by an electromagnetic sorter with a spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of the plastic fragment mix.

2. The method according to claim 1 further comprising after the step a) and before the step b) at least one further step selected from separating metal fragments (such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal fragments) from the ASR, the SLF, and / or the SHF; and / or separating the automotive shredder residue into a shredder light fraction (SLF) and a shredder heavy fraction (SHF).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising after the step a) and before the step b) at least one further step selected from subjecting the automotive shredder residue, preferably the shredder light fraction and / or the shredder heavy fraction, to an aqueous pretreatment selected from washing and from aqueous density separation.

4. The method according to any of claim 3 where the aqueous pretreatment is followed by a drying step.

5. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4 where the plastic fragment mix comprises plastic fragments with sizes from 5 to 50 mm.

6. The method according to any of claims 1 to 5 where the target plastic fragment is made of a polyolefin, a polyurethane, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, a polyamide, a polyoxymethylene, a polyethylene terephthalate, a polybutylene terephthalate, a halogencontaining polymer, or a mixture thereof.

7. The method according to any of claims 1 to 6 where the target plastic fragment is a made of a polyamide, a polyolefin, a polyvinyl chloride or a mixture thereof.

8. The method according to any of claims 1 to 7 where the target plastic fragment are surface- contaminated with motor oil from the vehicles.

9. The method according to any of claims 1 to 8 where the spectroscopic system captures terahertz signals in the electromagnetic wavelength from 0.01 THz to 10 THz, preferably from 0.05 GHz to 8 THz, and in particular from 0.1 THz to 4 THz.

10. The method according to any of claims 1 to 9 where the optical sorter is be a belt sorter, a channel sorter, a chute-fed sorter or a freefall sorter, where belt sorters are preferred.11 . The method according to any of claims 1 to 10 comprises a feed system, where the electromagnetic sorter comprises a spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of the plastic fragments mix, a signal processing software, and a separation system.

12. The method according to any of claims 1 to 11 where the target plastic fragments are identified by means of the terahertz signals.

13. The method according to any of claims 1 to 12 further comprising a step c) of recycling the target plastic fragments, which were separated from the plastic fragment mix in step b).

14. The method according to any of claims 1 to 13 where the recycling comprises pyrolysis of the target plastic fragments made of polyolefin.

15. The method according to any of claims 1 to 14 where the recycling comprises depolymerization of the target plastic fragments made of polyamide.

16. The method, preferably according to any of claims 1 to 15, comprising the step:- converting the target plastic fragments obtainable by or obtained by the method according to any of claims 1 to 15 or a chemical material obtainable by or obtained by the method according to any of claims 1 to 15 to obtain a product PRF1.

17. A fraction of an automotive shredder residue comprising at least 70 wt% of target plastic fragments obtainable by the method as defined in any of claims 1 to 15.

18. A use of an automotive shredder residue for recycling a plastic fragment mix by an electromagnetic sorter with a spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of the plastic fragment mix.

19. A use of an electromagnetic sorter with a spectroscopic system configured to capture terahertz signals of a plastic fragment mix for separating target plastic fragments from an automotive shredder residue comprising the plastic fragment mix.

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