Plastics Waste Management : Processing and Disposal

This book details the utilisation of a wide range of plastics waste in terms of optimising the processing and disposal of polymers, which plays an important role in the success of the plastics industry. In addition, the environmental impact of the plastics industry is also discussed. Several thousands of compounds are associated with polymers in the form of additives such as antioxidants, fillers or lubricants, and so on, which aid the processing of plastic but can cause problems once the plastic items have come to the end of their service life, i.e., become waste. The plastics waste sector also has to take into account that some technology used to process waste plastic is incompatible with the recycling process. Plastics waste management is essential due to the large volume of degradable plastics; however, plastics waste is required in certain markets hence its impact on the plastics industry has been limited. This book details a different approach to the management of plastics waste which has many advantages. In addition, this book discusses the use of waste plastics in many applications and covers the major routes of plastics waste disposal and litter control; an area which has previously lacked information. This book is essential reading for any technical individual needing a comprehensive and authoritative review of the entire plastics waste field. Polymer chemists and environmental scientists will find useful and important information which could inspire a large audience of industrial and academic polymer scientists. In summary, specialists in the plastics and environmental sectors will find this book a useful and important reference source. Recycling of polyurethane (PU) wastes is undertaken to minimise waste and reduce environmental pollution. In this book, these methods are investigated to find a suitable process for waste reduction, protection of the environment, and prevention of waste landfilling. This book reviews aspects from contemporary literature (including our research) focusing on these topics. Recently, progress has been done by the author's research team in chemical recycling of PU waste. Recycling methods are stated clearly, as well as use of instrumental methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy for characterisation and identification of recycling products. This book provides new and exciting vistas for finding adequate recycling methods as well as the starting materials and intermediates for PU products.