Microwave Depolymerization Sensitizing Compound for Thermoplastic Recycling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current recycling methods for thermoplastics, such as thermal pyrolysis and mechanical recycling, face challenges including inefficiency, high energy consumption, and environmental hazards, and do not allow for effective depolymerization to recover monomers, which are essential for sustainable reuse in industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

A thermoplastic composition containing a microwave depolymerization sensitizing compound, which absorbs microwave energy quickly, facilitating rapid and localized heating, depolymerization, and energy-efficient recycling of thermoplastic articles into their base monomers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If thermal pyrolysis is used to treat thermoplastic waste, then the thermoplastic can be decomposed, but the process consumes high energy and produces harmful by-products that cannot be reused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonomer recoveryVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional thermal heating methods with microwave radiation. The microwave sensitizing compound absorbs electromagnetic energy and converts it to thermal energy locally, enabling depolymerization at lower temperatures and shorter times compared to traditional thermal pyrolysis, thus reducing overall energy consumption while improving monomer recovery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a microwave sensitizing compound as an intermediary substance. This compound absorbs microwave energy and transfers it to the thermoplastic polymer, facilitating depolymerization. The sensitizing compound acts as a mediator between the microwave radiation and the polymer, enabling efficient energy transfer and selective heating without requiring excessive thermal energy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If mechanical recycling is used to process thermoplastic waste, then the waste can be sorted and prepared, but the process is time-consuming and produces low-quality material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecycling speedVSAvoidmaterial quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical sorting and preparation processes with microwave-based depolymerization. By converting the thermoplastic waste directly into monomers through microwave irradiation, the process eliminates time-consuming mechanical operations while producing high-purity monomers suitable for reuse, thus improving both productivity and material quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of substance

If lead bed decomposition is used to treat thermoplastics, then the polymer can be decomposed into monomers, but the process uses toxic lead and generates toxic by-products

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonomer recoveryVSAvoidtoxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces toxic lead with microwave radiation and a non-toxic sensitizing compound. The sensitizing compound is used in small amounts and can be easily removed or degraded, avoiding the persistent toxicity and environmental hazards associated with lead. This substitution maintains monomer recovery efficiency while eliminating harmful effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of microwave radiation into a beneficial process. Instead of using toxic substances to achieve decomposition, the patent uses microwave energy combined with a safe sensitizing compound to achieve the same depolymerization effect, thereby converting a potentially harmful energy source into a clean and efficient recycling method

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables efficient recycling of thermoplastics with reduced energy consumption, selective depolymerization, and improved waste treatment, allowing for the recovery of high-quality monomers for reuse in manufacturing, thus promoting sustainable development.

Implementation Method 1

a compound (2) sensitizing to depolymerization by microwave radiation... absorbing quickly microwave energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3784720B1Thermoplastic composition comprising a microwave-depolymerisation sensitising compound

Publication Date: 2024.01.10 ARKEMA FRANCE SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a thermoplastic composition comprising: at least one thermoplastic polymer precursor, and at least one microwave-depolymerisation sensitising compound. The invention also relates to a method for recycling an article, comprising: - placing the article in a reactor, and - applying microwave radiation, at a given frequency, to the article placed in the reactor.