Recycled Polymer Processing With Mixed-Solvent Recrystallization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recycling waste resins face challenges such as excessive energy consumption in solvent evaporation and difficulty in separating residual solvents, making the process economically inefficient and environmentally costly.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mixed solvent comprising a first solvent for dissolution and a second solvent for recrystallization, allowing simultaneous dissolution and recrystallization without additional separation, with controlled weight ratios and temperature control to optimize solvent functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a good solvent is used to dissolve the polymer and then evaporated to obtain the recycled polymer, then the polymer can be recovered, but the heat energy required for solvent removal is excessively increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of the polymer from dissolved state to precipitated state by controlling temperature changes in the solvent system. The polymer is dissolved at elevated temperature and then precipitated by cooling, avoiding the need for solvent evaporation and the associated high energy consumption.
2Reliability
If the polymer solution is brought into contact with an antisolvent to perform recrystallization, then the recycled polymer can be obtained, but it becomes difficult to recycle the residual solvent and a separate separation process is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The solvent system is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a dissolution medium at high temperature and as a precipitation medium at low temperature. This dual functionality eliminates the need for separate antisolvent addition and solvent separation processes, simplifying the overall workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the solvent system to control polymer solubility. By heating, the polymer dissolves; by cooling, it precipitates. This parameter-driven approach eliminates the need for chemical antisolvents and complex separation equipment.
3Reliability
If conventional methods are used to recycle waste resins, then polymer recovery is achieved, but additional separation processes are required which increase economic costs
Solution Approach 1:
The solvent is continuously reused in the process. After precipitation, the solvent is filtered and reused for the next dissolution step, eliminating the need for continuous solvent replacement or complex separation operations, thereby reducing operational costs.
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 simplifies the process, reduces energy consumption, and enhances the yield of recycled polymers while minimizing solvent loss, thus being economically viable and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
supplying and dissolving a composite resin in the dissolution tank to obtain a dissolved mixture
Implementation Method 2
supplying the polymer solution in the precipitation tank and performing recrystallization to obtain a precipitated mixture including a recycled polymer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of preparing a recycled polymer including: preparing a mixed solvent including a first solvent and a second solvent and supplying the mixed solvent in each of a dissolution tank and a precipitation tank, supplying and dissolving a composite resin in the dissolution tank to obtain a dissolved mixture, filtering the dissolved mixture to obtain a polymer solution, and supplying the polymer solution in the precipitation tank and performing recrystallization to obtain a precipitated mixture including a recycled polymer.