Debromination process of Br-containing PS of E-wastes and reuse with virgin PS

High Br-containing polystyrene (PS) plastics are generated in large quantities during the dismantling of waste CRT TVs. Debromination and reuse of Br-containing PS plastics is a critical technical challenge. Here, we demonstrate a method for combining alkaline hydrothermal debromination and co-blending granulation to achieve the regeneration of high Br-containing PS plastics. The results show the bromine concentration in PS was reduced from 49,300 mg/kg to 7420 mg/kg and from 169,000 mg/kg to 9340 mg/kg, with a removal efficiency of 84.95% at least. Then, we co-blended the debromination PS products (1 part) with qualified normal PS plastics (9 parts) for granulation. Compared to the qualified normal PS, the physical properties of the co-blended plastics remained stable in terms of the melt index, tensile strength, flexural strength andflexural modulus, which made it have good application prospects. Meanwhile, the Br concentration of co-blended PS plastics were further reduced to less than 1000 mg/kg. In summary, we provide a promising outlook of alkaline hydrothermal and co-blending (1 +9) granulation as an efficient approach for Br-containing PS plastics upgrading recycling. Novelty statement: This study provides a novel method for combining alkaline hydrothermal treatment and coblending modification granulation process to achieve the upgrading recycling of Br-containing waste plastics. The results show the Br concentration in PS was reduced from 169,013 ppm to 9344 ppm, with a removal efficiency of 94.47%. The debromination PS products (1 part) were blended with qualified normal PS plastics (9 parts) for granulation. Compared to the qualified normal PS, the physical properties of the co-blended plastics remained basically stable, which made it have good application prospects. Also, the reuse of waste plastic can make contribution for the carbon reduction.

Automated summary

This study provides a novel method for combining alkaline hydrothermal treatment and co-blending modification granulation process to achieve the upgrading recycling of Br-containing waste plastics. The results show that the bromine concentration in the plastics can be effectively reduced, and the physical properties of the co-blended plastics remain stable, making them suitable for applications. The reuse of waste plastics also contributes to carbon reduction.