MOSCOW, June 4 Scientists from Omsk State Technical University proposed an environmentally friendly method for processing polymer containers intended for storing petroleum products in the Far North. According to the authors, the new method allows for recycling to reduce the amount of harmful emissions and obtain valuable products that can be used in industry. The results were published in the journal Physical Chemistry B.
In recent years, scientists from Omsk State Technical University (OMGTU) have developed a polymer composite material based on polyethylene and created an original design of canisters from this material for storing and transporting petroleum products in the Arctic. It increases the possibility of simultaneous transportation of containers on a Euro pallet by 60%, and also allows them to be subsequently recycled to generate heat and electricity.
In their new study, Omsk State Technical University specialists developed An effective and environmentally friendly method for recycling polymer containers using the method of pyrolysis — decomposition of waste when heated without air access. It is based on the use of a modifying additive, which is added to polyethylene or polycarbonate at the stage of container manufacturing and changes the properties of the material, making it more resistant to destruction during disposal.
«During pyrolysis, the polymer breaks down into gases, liquids and solids. It is important to select the conditions so as to obtain the maximum amount of products suitable for subsequent use and to minimize hazardous waste,» said Valery Trushlyakov, professor at the Omsk State Technical University's Department of Aircraft and Rocket Engineering.
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He noted that the method developed at the Omsk Polytechnic University makes it possible to reduce the temperature of the onset of pyrolysis and the peaks of decomposition of samples, which leads to more efficient processing of the polymer and the formation of less solid waste. The new method reduces the amount of harmful emissions, in particular toxic carbon monoxide. In addition, pyrolysis products can be used in various industries.
“Our research has confirmed the feasibility of manufacturing containers for petroleum products from polyethylene with the developed modifying additive, since it not only provides the necessary performance properties, but also reduces toxicity when disposing of containers,” the scientist added.
The technique is a unique development of Omsk State Technical University, previously There have been no studies of modifying additives for polyethylene and polycarbonate that would affect the parameters of their disposal by pyrolysis.
«We performed experimental studies and numerical modeling to identify how the developing modifying additive affects the properties of the new material and the parameters that need to be controlled during its disposal,” Trushlyakov explained.
Today, scientists are developing a laboratory prototype of a facility for recycling polymer containers by pyrolysis method. With its help, they will conduct experimental studies and clarify the optimal parameters of its operation.