Polymer Fine Particle Recycling by Solvent Swelling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recycling polymers by dissolution or decomposition into monomers are limited in applicability, complex, and costly, lacking efficiency in polymer reuse.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing and recycling polymer fine particles by applying an external stimulus, such as solvent swelling, to decompose formed bodies of polymer fine particles, allowing for simple operation and wide applicability across various polymers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymer is dissolved in solvent to be purified and reused, then polymer can be recovered, but the purification process is complicated and production cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes phase transition of polymer from dissolved state to precipitated state by adding a non-solvent to the polymer solution. This causes the polymer to precipitate out of solution, allowing for simple separation and recovery without complex purification steps. The phase transition enables direct recovery of polymer while eliminating the need for elaborate purification equipment and processes.
2Reliability
If polymer is decomposed into monomers and reused, then polymer can be recycled, but the production cost is high and applicable polymers are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the recovery approach from chemical decomposition to physical precipitation by controlling solution parameters (adding non-solvent). This parameter change allows direct recovery of polymer in its original form rather than decomposing to monomers, significantly reducing production cost and expanding applicability to various polymer types without requiring specific depolymerization conditions.
3Reliability
If polymer is decomposed into monomers, then polymer can be reused, but applicable polymers are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides a universal recycling method that works for various polymer types by using the common principle of precipitation from solution. Instead of requiring polymer-specific decomposition pathways, the method universally applies solvent dissolution followed by non-solvent precipitation, making it adaptable to diverse polymers including polyolefins, polyesters, and other plastics that are difficult to recycle by conventional methods.
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
Enables the production and reuse of polymer fine particles through a simple process, maintaining particle quality and enabling high recovery rates, suitable for a broad range of polymers.
Implementation Method 1
a method for applying the external stimulus is swelling the polymer fine particles with a solvent
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method for recycling polymer fine particles, the method being applicable to various polymers. This method for recycling polymer fine particles comprises (A) a step for dismantling a first polymer fine particle molded body, which has been obtained by molding first polymer fine particles, into second polymer fine particles by applying external stimuli to the first polymer fine particle molded body.