Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Low Cost Hand-Held Plastic Resin Identification Probe
EPA Contract Number: 68D98128Title: Low Cost Hand-Held Plastic Resin Identification Probe
Investigators: Sandford, Kerry A.
Small Business: MBA Polymers Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1998 through March 1, 1999
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1998) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air Quality and Air Toxics , SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
This project was undertaken to demonstrate of low-cost portable thermal-based identification technology for use in recycling plastics from durable goods.A benchtop test fixture was designed and constructed to test the thermal behavior of samples. Samples of ABS, HDPE, PP, HIPS, PC, PC/ABS, nylon and PVC were then tested for unique responses. Data was examined to determine if responses to the property were sufficiently different for the technology to be applied to a Resin ID instrument.
Additional work needed to develop a hand-held instrument was identified and preliminary specifications were developed including estimates of performance (speed, accuracy) size, and price.
Differentiation between all tested resin families was successfully demonstrated except for PS from HIPS (two nearly identical materials that are not differentiated even using FTIR spectroscopy-based rapid plastics identification technology). The data indicates that the technology will successfully separate most unknowns into proper resin families even when the samples contain fillers and modifiers. Color and surface texture do not affect results, which is very important for real-world applications, and something with which many more expensive and sophisticated systems often have problems.
Functions of the test apparatus could be incorporated in an automated hand-held instrument with additional (Phase II) work to refine key components. Phase II focuses on the development of one or more prototype instruments and rigorous field testing. Commercialization is expected to follow if Phase II is successful.
Need for the Product
The intention is for this technology to be applied to a hand-held resin ID tool that would be suitable for durable goods recyclers. Following the successful introduction of this instrument, a family of specialized resin identification instruments is envisioned, relying on expanding this technology. The cost of instruments relying on this technology is expected to be less than competing technologies.
Over 20 billion pounds of plastic are sold in durable goods annually.
- Discarded automobiles provide a large source of plastic resins for recycling. The Auto Recycling Demonstration Project (ARDP) report (1997) from the Great Lakes Institute for Recycling Markets (GLI) has estimated that 76 pounds of plastics resins could be reasonably be recovered from each discarded automobile. One of the key findings of the ARDP was:
"The development of field ready resin identification equipment, especially at prices affordable to yard operations, would enhance the technical and economic feasibility of material recovery at dismantling facilities"
- Members of the Automobile Recycling Association (ARA) have stated that resin identification tools would improve the feasibility of recycling plastics.
- Electronic appliances such as computers, televisions and audio equipment contain a large percentage of plastics. Many high quality recyclable resins could be recovered from these discarded products. Very little of these plastics are recycled at this time. A low-cost resin identification tool will improve the opportunity for scrap electronics operations to recycle plastics.
- Regrinders need to verify resin types before buying and before blending. While most regrinders have sophisticated identification tools, all could benefit from a reliable hand-held instrument.
Competitive Advantage
Existing identification technologies allow accurate laboratory identification of most resins, however, these technologies are expensive, slow and not sufficiently portable for the applications described above. Two hand-held instruments have been identified, each with limited capabilities and lack of availability. While many seasoned plastics recyclers can usually identify resins by sniffing the odor of a sliver of resin heated by a cigarette lighter, this method cannot fill the needs described above and has health and safety implications. Better instruments are needed.
Thermal probe technology is expected to be at lower instrument cost than competing technologies. The thermal probe is expected to be less sensitive to surface coatings than other instruments. Part geometry has little effect. The end product is expected to be compact, portable and durable.
Markets
The Automobile Recyclers Association (ARA) has 11,000 members. All of these members are potential customers for resin identification instruments. Some members with large automobile recycling operations could buy 10 or more to meet their needs.
Appliance recyclers, electronic product recyclers, plastic scrap dealers and regrinders also have a need for resin identification instruments.
MBA Polymers works with many other businesses that are interested in recycling plastics. These businesses are natural customers for the instrument discussed in this proposal.
Supplemental Keywords:
Economic, Social, & Behavioral Science Research Program, Scientific Discipline, Air, Chemistry, Chemistry and Materials Science, Engineering, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Economics & Decision Making, chemical composition, air sampling, empirical analysis, innovative technologiesThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.