Recycling of PVC/PET Composites. Production of Pure and Homogeneous Recyclates, and Process Monitoring

The method presented here allows high-quality recyclates to be obtained by re-dissolution of mixed, contaminated plastic wastes from composite materials. These recyclates are of virgin quality as regards their processing and usage characteristics. The solvent used is recovered and reused in the process. With slight adaptations, the process presented can also be used for other PVC-containing wastes. The technique has also been applied with some success to other engineering thermoplastics, such as ABS, SMA, PVB and PMMA, taking into account the parameters characteristic of the material. The advantages of the process are especially marked for mixed fractions, composites and wastes with internal contamination. The products from the individual process stages were successfully analysed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In the present study the results obtained by the novel HiRes-TGA proved particularly useful. This analytical technique can also be readily used for characterizing other material systems.