Determination of Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Electronic Plastic Waste (Ep-Waste) Resin Using Proximate and Ultimate Analysis Method

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ICCBT2008 Determination of Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Electronic Plastic Waste (Ep-Waste) Resin Using Proximate and Ultimate Analysis Method N.

1 ICCBT2008 Determination of Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Electronic Plastic Waste (Ep-Waste) Resin Using Proximate and Ultimate Analysis Method N. Othman*, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, MALAYSIA N. E. A. Basri, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, MALAYSIA M. N. M. Yunus, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, MALAYSIA L. M. Sidek, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, MALAYSIA ABSTRACT Basically, electronic plastic waste (EP-waste) generated needs to be managed with the best way of available technology. In view of waste management technology, information on the characteristics of EP-waste is essential in the planning of waste management. In general, the characteristic can be divided into two categories i.e. physical characteristic and chemical characteristic. In this study, the physical characteristics are physical composition and moisture content whereas chemical characteristics are the proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, heating value and the heavy metals content. This paper will present the result of the physical and chemical characteristics of electronic plastic waste resin using proximate and ultimate analysis method. In this study, the plastic sample was divided into 13 samples. Determination of electronic plastic waste resin sample was identified using FT-IR Spectrum 2000 and physical observation method. The analysis of the samples was carried out based on individual components of EP-waste resins at dry resin. There is no moisture content result since the sample is testing based on dry basis condition. The proximate analysis result for the weighted average of residual content, volatile matter, ash content and fix carbon of electronic plastic waste sample are 0.57%, 83.44%, 11.10% and 10.82% respectively (dry basis). The ultimate analysis result for the weighted average of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen content of EP-waste sample are 3.27%, 70.14%, 6.81% and 14.73% respectively(dry basis). The heating value of EP-waste resins varies from to KJ/Kg and the weighted average is KJ/Kg (7375 kcal/kg). The weighted average of total chlorine and total bromine content of EP-waste sample are ppm and 3.77 ppm and the weight average of heavy metals concentration for cd, cr, Hg, Pb and As are 0, 0.01, 0.01, 3.22, 0 ppm respectively. This study gives the most comprehensive information about the characteristics of EP-waste. Keywords: Electronic waste, characteristics, analysis, waste management *Correspondence Authr: Pn. Norazli binti Othman, universiti tenaga Nasional, Malaysia. Tel: , Fax: Norazli@uniten.edu.my ICCBT D - (16) - pp

2 Determination of physical and chemical characteristics of electronic plastic waste (EP-waste) resin using proximate and ultimate analysis method 1. INTRODUCTION The production of electronic equipment is one of the fastest growing industrialization activities. This development has results in an increase of waste electronic equipment. Generally the greater the economic prosperity and the higher percentage of urbanization, the greater is the amount of electronic waste produced. In view of the environmental problems involved in the management of electronic waste, many countries and organizations have drafted national legislation to improve the reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery of such wastes so as to reduce disposal. E-waste has become a human and environmental threat due to its hazardous constituents such as heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Hg, Pb and etc.), flame retardant (Chlorine, bromine, nitrogen or phosphorus) Poly Chloro Biphenyl and Polyvinyl Chloride [10]. Due to their hazardous materials contents, E-waste may cause environment problems during the waste management phase if it is not properly pretreated [11]. E- Waste management is an important subject not only from the point of waste treatment but also the recovery aspect of valuable materials [4]. Study conducted by Daren et. al (1999) shown that 49% of the electronic waste materials consist of metal and about 33% consist of plastic. Basically, the unique electrical insulating properties of plastics are their strength, heat and corrosion resistance, flexibility, lightweight, durability and it is very cost-effective. These characteristics made plastics important materials for use in the electronics equipment [1]. In general, the plastic resins which commonly used in electrical and electronic equipment are Acrylic (PMMA), Acrylonitrile Butadience Styrene (ABS), Polyamide (PA), Polycarbonate (PC), Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadience Styrene blend (PC/ABS), Polyethylene (PE), Polycarbonate/Polybutylene Terephtalate blend (PC/PBT), Polybutylene Terephtalate blend (PBT), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (HIPS), Polyvinly Chlorine (PVC), Acrylonitrile Butadience Styrene/ Polyvinly Chlorine (ABS/PVC), Polyacetal (POM), Epoxy, Phenol Formaldehyde (PF), Polyethylene Terephthalate/Polybutylene Terephtalate blend (PET/PBT), Unsaturated Polyester (UP), Polyurethane (PU) and Polystyrene Ether/High Impact Polystyrene blend (PPE/HIPS or PPO). The plotted chart in figure 1 identified the weight distribution of plastic resins within the end of life of the electrical and electronic durable goods based on the MBA Polymers (1999) composite data. 170 ICCBT D - (16) pp

3 N. Othman et. al. PC/PBT 0.37% PPO 3.12% PP 0.65% HIPS 15.98% RUBBER 0.26% PE 0.18% PMMA 0.33% UNKNOWN 0.08% PVC 3.98% PBT 0.05% ABS/PVC 18.17% POM 0.67% FOAM 0.17% PC 5.59% PC/ABS 13.44% PA 0.22% ABS 36.73% Figure 1. Estimated weight distribution of plastics within end of life electrical and electronic durable goods [1] There are two major types of plastic resins that are used in electronics i.e. thermosets and thermoplastics. Thermosets are shredded when recycled, because they cannot be re-melted and formed into new products whereas thermoplastics can be re-melted and formed into new products. As a result, using thermoplastics resins material will increase the efficiency of electronic plastic recycling compared to thermosets plastics resins. The plastics used in electronic products are mainly engineering thermoplastics which have high intrinsic value [2]. Nowadays, thermoplastics are used in a wide variety of applications within computer and other electronic devices. EP-waste generated needs to be managed with the best available technology. An important point for the success of a waste management plan is the need for accurate and up to date on the quality and quantity of the waste that is generated in that area. With this data, proper management strategies can be planed and put in action. One of the examples of proper management strategies is by the introduction of the integrated EP-waste management [9]. Such an integrated plastic waste management concept comprises of source reduction, reuse, recycling, waste to energy conversion and landfill. An important aspect of the integrated waste management approach is to minimize the amount of plastics used. By employing improved manufacturing technology, wastes produced during manufacturing processes have been reduced significantly. Recycled plastics are often considered as raw materials for manufacture of a variety of parts, particularly in the automotive and other industrial areas. Another important way to manage EPwaste is to recover the energy value of products after their useful life. Plastics waste with their high calorific value (heating value) can be recovered as energy. One such method involves combustion of municipal solid waste (MSW) plus EP-waste in waste to energy (WTE) facilities. Modern energy recovery facilities burn the solid waste in special combustion chambers and use the resulting heat energy to generate steam and electricity. This process can reduce the volume of MSW so as EP-waste by as much as 90%. Another method is ICCBT D - (16) - pp

4 Determination of physical and chemical characteristics of electronic plastic waste (EP-waste) resin using proximate and ultimate analysis method by Catalytic Depolymerization Process (CDP). Depolymerization is a process for the reduction of complex organic materials (usually waste products of various sorts, often known as biomass) into light crude oil. It mimics the natural geological processes thought to be involved in the production of fossil fuels. The thermal depolymerization approach uses high temperature to crack the diesel from the hydrocarbon molecules. In integrated system, the final inert material from WTE facilities and other processes will then be send to the sanitary landfill. This integrated approach will reduce the burden on the landfill and also open the opportunities for new technologies in treating the EP-waste. This eco-efficiency solution also will provide the optimum balance of environmental impact and economic cost from initial production through to disposal at end-of-life. In order to make the above mentioned decisions, the local authorities would need a comprehensive database on the quantity and quality of the EP-waste generated in Malaysia. There is also a need to analyze the composition of the EP-waste for the proximate analysis, ultimate/elemental analysis and the calorific values. These values will help with the design of any treatment facilities. Unfortunately data on the EP-waste in Malaysia is not available on the comprehensive basis. Hence the studies need to be carried out to determine quality, quantity, physical and chemical characteristics of that waste. This paper will highlight the analytical procedure and the result of the proximate and ultimate analysis of the EP-waste. The prediction of the heating value will be calculated based on Dulong equation [7] stated in equation (1). HV (kj/kg) = 33801(C) [(H) 0.125(O)] (S) (1) Where HV is a Heating Value whereas C, H, O and S are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and sulphur content in the dry basis. Higher heating value (HHV) and composition of solid fuels are important properties which define the quantitative energy content and determine the clean and efficient use of these fuels. Energy from waste, which is the major source of renewable energy, not only reduces the dependency on the traditional fossils fuels but also reduces the total greenhouse gas emissions. Malaysia is obliged to adopt the resolutions of the Kyoto convention on Global Warming by cutting down the releases of greenhouse gas into the environment in the near future. Power generation from renewable energy sources such as municipal solid waste (MSW) could have a significant contribution to achieve this goal [8] 2. STUDY APPROACH Determination of electronic plastic waste resin sample was tested using FT-IR Spectrum 2000 and physical observation method. In this study, the plastic sample were divided into 13 samples namely Acrylic (PMMA), Acrylonitrile Butadience Styrene (ABS), Polyamide (PA), Polycarbonate (PC), Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadience Styrene blend (PC/ABS), Polyethylene (PE), Polycarbonate/Polybutylene Terephtalate blend (PC/PBT), Polybutylene Terephtalate blend (PBT), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (HIPS), Polyvinly Chlorine (PVC), Acrylonitrile Butadience Styrene/ Polyvinly Chlorine (ABS/PVC) and Polyacetal (POM). After Identification process, the samples were grind for size reduction and were analyzed further for their physical and chemical characteristics. The parameters analyzed and method used is described briefly as follows. 172 ICCBT D - (16) pp

5 N. Othman et. al. Proximate analysis: The parameters analyzed include Residual Content (R), volatile matter (VM), Fixed Carbon (FC) and Ash Content (Ash). The method used was based on the ASTM Standard D 3172 as suggested by Brunner (1994). The weights of dry samples used are 3.0g. Ultimate analysis: The parameter analyzed include Carbon, Hydrogen, Sulphur and and Oxygen Content. In this study, the equipment used is Elemental Analyzer (CHNS Analysis) model EA 1106 prepared by ThermoQuest Italian S.p.A. In this study, the equipment used is Elemental Analyzer (CHNS Analysis) model EA. The weights of dry samples used are mg. Heating value: The heating value of wastes was calculated using Dulong equation as stated in equation (1) Neutron activation analysis: The parameter analyzed includes total chlorine and total bromine content. In this study, the equipment used is Trig Mk II Reactor, Rotary Rack, Pneumatic Transfer System and detector. For Total Chlorine determination, short irradiation process will be used and for total bromine, long irradiation prosess will be used. The weight of dry samples used is 0.5 mg. Heavy metals Analysis: Heavy metals parameters include Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb and As. The equipment used is ICP-MS. The weights of dry samples used are 0.2 mg. The results were presented on a dry basis. As for the reporting, it will be done based on the electronic plastic waste composition resin sample and also for the individual component of the plastic resin. In order to determine the characteristics of electronic plastic waste composition sample, the individual component weight fraction will be multiplying with the components such as heavy metals, total chlorine and bromine etc. This will give a weighted average of the components of electronic plastic waste sample [8]. 3. RESULT Figure 2 shows the normalize weight distribution of plastic resin sample within end of life electrical and electronic durable goods. Table 1 and Table 2 shows the proximate and ultimate analysis of the EP-waste resin at dry basis and the heating values of the plastic resin were presented in the Table 3. Total chlorine and bromine and the heavy metal concentration were presented in Table 4 and 5 respectively. Table 6 shows the overall characteristic of electronic plastic waste sample. ICCBT D - (16) - pp

6 Determination of physical and chemical characteristics of electronic plastic waste (EP-waste) resin using proximate and ultimate analysis method POM 0.7 ABS/PVC PVC 4.13 PS or HIPS PP PBT PC/PBT PE PC/ABS PC 5.8 PA 0.23 ABS PMMA Percentage(%) Figure 2. Normalize the weight distribution of plastics resin within end of life of electrical and electronic durable goods based on MBA polymers composite data [1] Table 1. The proximate analysis of individual components for electronic plastic waste resins Resin Characteristics Residual content Volatile matter Ash content Fixed carbon (%) (%) (%) (%) PMMA ABS PA PC PC/ABS PE(LDPE) PC/PBT PBT PP PS or HIPS PVC ABS/PVC POM EP-WASTE ICCBT D - (16) pp

7 N. Othman et. al. Table 2. The ultimate analysis of individual components for electronic plastic waste resins Characteristics Nitrogen content Carbon Content Hydrogen content Oxygen Content Sulphur Content (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) PMMA ND ABS ND PA ND PC ND PC/ABS ND PE(LDPE) ND PC/PBT ND PBT ND PP ND PS or HIPS ND PVC ND ABS/PVC ND POM ND EP-WASTE ND Table 3: The heating value of individual components for electronic plastic waste resins Resin Higher Heating value (HV) (KJ/Kg) PMMA ABS PA PC PC/ABS PE PC/PBT PBT PP HIPS PVC ABS/PVC POM EP-WASTE (kj/kg) 7375 (kcal/kg) ICCBT D - (16) - pp

8 Determination of physical and chemical characteristics of electronic plastic waste (EP-waste) resin using proximate and ultimate analysis method POM 4.1 ABS/PVC 6.4 PVC 4.0 HIPS 10.8 PP 13.0 PBT 4.5 PC/PBT 6.7 PE 9.9 PC/ABS 8.5 PC PA ABS 10.0 PMMA Percentage(%) Figure 3. Heating value percentage for different type of EP-waste resins Table 4. Total Chlorine and Total Bromine content of individual components for electronic plastic waste resins Concentration Total Chlorine (ppm) Total Bromine (ppm) PMMA ABS PA PC PC/ABS PE(LDPE) PC/PBT PBT PP PS or HIPS PVC ABS/PVC POM EP-WASTE ICCBT D - (16) pp

9 N. Othman et. al. Table 5. The concentration of heavy metals for individual components for electronic plastic waste resins Characteristics EP-waste Cd Cr Hg Pb As (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) PMMA ABS PA PC PC/ABS PE(LDPE) PC/PBT PBT PP PS or HIPS PVC ABS/PVC POM EP-WASTE Table 6. Physical and chemical characteristics of electronic plastic waste Content EP-WASTE Unit Content/concentration Residual % 0.57 Volatile % Ash % Fixed carbon % Nitrogen % 3.27 carbon % Hydrogen % 6.81 Oxyigen % Sulphur % ND Total Chlorine ppm Total Bromine ppm 3.77 Cd ppm 0 Cr ppm 0.01 Hg ppm 0.01 Pb ppm 3.22 As ppm 0 ICCBT D - (16) - pp

10 Determination of physical and chemical characteristics of electronic plastic waste (EP-waste) resin using proximate and ultimate analysis method 3.1 Physical characteristics of EP-waste Composition of EP-waste: Figure 2 shows the normalize weight distribution of plastic resin sample within end of life electrical and electronic durable goods. The results show that the percentage weight of electronic plastic resin sample ranges from 0.05% to 38.1%. The largest plastic resin component is ABS which contributes 38.1% whereas the smallest plastic resin component is PBT which contribute 0.05%. Moisture content: Since the EP-waste sample is in the dry condition, there is no moisture content result for these waste characteristics 3.2 Chemical characteristics of wastes Proximate analysis: The proximate analysis result for individual components of EP-waste resin showed that the residual content ranges from 0% to 1.7% (dry basis), for volatile matter content ranges from 52% to 99.8%(dry basis), for fixed carbon content ranges from 0% to 47.8% (dry basis) and for ash content ranges from 0% to 50.8% (dry basis). The weighted average of residual content, volatile matter, fix carbon and ash content of electronic plastic waste sample are 0.57%, 83.44%, 10.82% and 11.10% respectively. Ultimate analysis: From table 3, the result shows the ultimate analysis of EP waste. The ultimate analysis result for individual components of EP-waste resin showed that the nitrogen content ranges from 0.03% to 9.95% (dry basis), for carbon content ranges from 38.85% to 83.10%(dry basis), for hydrogen content ranges from 3.56% to 14.22% (dry basis) and for oxygen content ranges from 7.46% to 51.50% (dry basis). The weighted average of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen of electronic plastic waste sample are 3.266%, 70.14%, 6.81% and 14.73% respectively. Heating value of EP-waste: The highest heating value come from PP plastic resin with the value of KJ/Kg and the lowest come from PVC resin with the value of The weighted average of EP-waste sample is KJ/Kg (7375 kcal/kg). Total chlorine and total bromine content: The analysis result for individual components of EP-waste resin showed that the total chlorine content ranges from 14.8 ppm to ppm and total bromine content ranges from 0 to ppm (dry basis). The weighted average of the total chlorine and the total bromine are ppm and 3.77 ppm respectively. Heavy metals concentration: The analysis result for individual components of EP-waste resin showed that the concentration of heavy metals ranges from 0 ppm to 23.7 ppm. The weight average of heavy metals concentration for cd, cr, Hg, Pb and As is 0, 0.01, 0.01, 3.22, 0 ppm respectively. 4. DISCUSSION Malaysian with most of the 20 landfills had reached their critical levels. The urgent need arises to come up with a sustainable national waste management strategy to manage the huge amount of 178 ICCBT D - (16) pp

11 N. Othman et. al. solid waste generated. Hence, alternative options such as recycling and thermal treatment need to be incorporated into the waste management concept in order to address the solid waste disposal [8]. In view of thermal treatment, Ep-waste is a potential waste to wealth conversion factor due to its calorific value as tabulated in the Table 3. From the analysis, it can be concluded that EP-waste is a potential fuel to recover energy. This is due to the existing of carbon and hydrogen content led plastic to have higher energy content. In general, the product of combustion is carbon dioxide, water and a good deal of energy A study found that the greater the percentage of plastic in the refuse burned in a garbage incineration, the more efficiency the burning, the greater the quantity of energy released and the lower the emission of air bone pollutant. From the analysis, it can be conclude that plastics contribute significantly to the heating value of MSW during thermal treatment. This is due to the higher heating value of EP-waste which is 7375 kcal/kg compared to MSW heating value which is 3450 kcal/kg[12]. However, the existing of PVC resins in the EP-waste will reduce the significant of thermal treatment due to its hazardous substance such as total chlorine, total bromine and plumbum content. In addition, the heating value of PVC resin is very low (only 3372 kcal/kg) compared to other plastic resin. Therefore, PVC resin should be excluded from the thermal treatment opsyen. Proper thermal treatment operation is important to control emissions of these compounds so as to reduce the quantity of plastics or any other MSW constituent. If carefully monitored and controlled thermal treatment can lead to large reduction in plastic waste, generate much needed energy and have little negative impact on environment. 5. CONCLUSION Recycling opsyen and thermal treatment offer benefit of material recovery and energy recovery so as solving the waste disposal problem. Thermal treatment technology such as refuse derived fuel (RDF) power plant or thermal depolymerization is also deemed the best practicable environmental option (BPEO) for EP-waste when carried out to the latest standards with energy recovery followed by land filling of the solid residues. Acknowledgments This project was carried out in Nuclear Malaysian Agency, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and TNBR. The author would like to thank the management for the usage of the facilities. A special note of thanks is also due to the staff of MINT Incineration and Renewable Energy Center (MIREC) and Radiochemistry Group of MINT for all the assistance and help in carrying out the project. REFERENCES [1]. American Plastic Council Plastics from Residential Electronics Recycling Report 2000 ICCBT D - (16) - pp

12 Determination of physical and chemical characteristics of electronic plastic waste (EP-waste) resin using proximate and ultimate analysis method [2]. Biancaniello, J. Headley,L. Fisher,M.M., Kingsbury, T Setting the Record Straight: Busting Common Myths about plastics from Recovered Consumer Electronics. Technical Paper from American Plastic Council [3]. Brunner, C. R Hazardous Waste Incineration, Mc. Graw- Hill International Editions, pp 460. [4]. Cui, J. & Forssberg, E Mechanical Recycling of Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment. A Review Journal of Hazardous Materials, Elsevier: [5]. Daren F. Arola, Laurence E. Allen & Michael B. Biddle, MBA polymers, Inc, Michael B.Fisher Plastic recovery from electrical and electronic durable goods: An Applied Technology and economic case study MBA polymers, Inc, American plastic Council [6]. Felder, R.M & Rousseau, R.W. 2000, Elementary Principles of chemical processes, 3 rd edition John Wiley & Sons, Inc [7]. Kathiravale S., Takip K.M, Yunus M.N.M, Samsuddin A.H, Sopian. K and Rahman A.R.2002, comparative study on the analytical methods for the characterization of municipal solid waste The 5 th Asian Symposium on Academic Activities for Waste Management (AAAWM). [8]. Rozainee, M. & Ngo, S.P Role of Thermal treatment Technology in integrated solid waste [9]. Subramaniam, P.M Plastic recycling and waste management in the US. Resource, Conservation and Recycling 28, Elsevier: [10]. Townsend, T.G. & Vann, K Leaching of Hazaardous Chemicals from Discarded Electronics. National Electronic Equipment Management and Compliance Assistance Workshop Atlanta, GA [11]. Trumble The Electronic Equipment Disposal Problem, Contributing Editor, Technology, Society and Environment, USA [12]. Recycle Energy Sdn. Bhd. (RESB) Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed Resource Recovery Centre/Waste to Energy Plant, Main report 180 ICCBT D - (16) pp

I just want to say one word to you... just one word... Plastics. -the graduate

I just want to say one word to you... just one word... Plastics -the graduate Quiz! 1. What is your name? 2. Which are polymers: wood, skin, Jell-O, DNA 3. Where does almost all plastic come from? 4. Which