Addition of X-ray fluorescent tracers into polymers, new technology for automatic sorting of plastics : proposal for selecting some relevant tracers

A description of a new technology for automatic sorting of plastics, based on X-ray fluorescence detection of tracers, added in such materials is presented. This study describes the criteria for the selection of tracers, and concluded that the most adapted for XRF are some rare earth oxides. The plastics chosen for tracing and identification are the ones contained in ELV and WEEE from which discrimination is difficult for the existing sorting techniques due to their black colour.A description of a new technology for automatic sorting of plastics, based on X-ray fluorescence detection of tracers, added in such materials is presented. This study describes the criteria for the selection of tracers, and concluded that the most adapted for XRF are some rare earth oxides. The plastics chosen for tracing and identification are the ones contained in ELV and WEEE from which discrimination is difficult for the existing sorting techniques due to their black colour

A study on the dispersion, preparation, characterization and photo-degradation of polypropylene traced with rare earth oxides

This research work deals with the effect of rare earth oxides on the PP matrix with respect to the thermal and mechanical properties and to the photo-degradation under UV irradiation exposure. The rare earth oxides are used as tracers for the identification of polymer materials, in order to have an economically efficient recycling and high speed automatic sorting of plastic wastes. The addition of 0.1 wt% of such particles of a micrometric size has a minor effect on the mechanical and thermal properties of the traced materials, as well as on the photo-degradation of the polymer after UV irradiation exposure. For 1 wt% tracer content, before UV irradiation treatment, the melting and crystallization temperatures as well as the thermal stability of the PP matrix are slightly increased, whereas the elongation at break decreases from 10 to 50% for a cross-head speed of 250 mm/min. However, the addition of 1 wt% of CeO2 improves the photo-degradation resistance of the PP matrix to UV exposure due to the UV light screening effects offered by these particles. The SEM images together with the results obtained from image processing show a homogenous dispersion of tracers in the PP matrix.This research work deals with the effect of rare earth oxides on the PP matrix with respect to the thermal and mechanical properties and to the photo-degradation under UV irradiation exposure. The rare earth oxides are used as tracers for the identification of polymer materials, in order to have an economically efficient recycling and high speed automatic sorting of plastic wastes. The addition of 0.1 wt% of such particles of a micrometric size has a minor effect on the mechanical and thermal properties of the traced materials, as well as on the photo-degradation of the polymer after UV irradiation exposure. For 1 wt% tracer content, before UV irradiation treatment, the melting and crystallization temperatures as well as the thermal stability of the PP matrix are slightly increased, whereas the elongation at break decreases from 10 to 50% for a cross-head speed of 250 mm/min. However, the addition of 1 wt% of CeO2 improves the photo-degradation resistance of the PP matrix to UV exposure due to the UV light screening effects offered by these particles. The SEM images together with the results obtained from image processing show a homogenous dispersion of tracers in the PP matrix

Addition of tracers into the polypropylene in view of automatic sorting of plastic wastes using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

This study focused on the detection of rare earth oxides, used as tracers for the identification of polymer materials, using XRF (X-ray fluorescence) spectrometry. The tests were carried out in a test system device which allows the collection of static measurements of the samples’ spectrum through the use of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technology. A sorting process based on tracers added into the polymer matrix is proposed in order to increase sorting selectivity of polypropylene during end-of-life recycling. Tracers consist of systems formed by one or by several substances dispersed into a material, to add a selective property to it, with the aim of improving the efficiency of sorting and high speed identification. Several samples containing rare earth oxides (Y2O3, CeO2, Nd2O3, Gd2O3, Dy2O3, Er2O3 and Yb2O3) in different concentrations were prepared in order to analyse some of the parameters which can influence the detection, such as the concentration of tracers, the acquisition time and the possible overlapping among the tracers. This work shows that by using the XRF test system device, it was possible to detect 5 of the 7 tracers tested for 1 min exposure time and at a concentration level of 1000 ppm. These two parameters will play an important role in the development of an industrial device, which indicates the necessity of further works that needs to be conducted in order to reduce them.RECORD, ADEM

Addition of X-ray fluorescent tracers into polymers, new technology for automatic sorting of plastics : proposal for selecting some relevant tracers

A description of a new technology for automatic sorting of plastics, based on X-ray fluorescence detection of tracers, added in such materials is presented. This study describes the criteria for the selection of tracers, and concluded that the most adapted for XRF are some rare earth oxides. The plastics chosen for tracing and identification are the ones contained in ELV and WEEE from which discrimination is difficult for the existing sorting techniques due to their black colour.ANR TRIPTIC RECOR

A study on the dispersion, preparation, characterization and photo-degradation of polypropylene traced with rare earth oxides

This research work deals with the effect of rare earth oxides on the PP matrix with respect to the thermal and mechanical properties and to the photo-degradation under UV irradiation exposure. The rare earth oxides are used as tracers for the identification of polymer materials, in order to have an economically efficient recycling and high speed automatic sorting of plastic wastes. The addition of 0.1 wt% of such particles of a micrometric size has a minor effect on the mechanical and thermal properties of the traced materials, as well as on the photo-degradation of the polymer after UV irradiation exposure. For 1 wt% tracer content, before UV irradiation treatment, the melting and crystallization temperatures as well as the thermal stability of the PP matrix are slightly increased, whereas the elongation at break decreases from 10 to 50% for a cross-head speed of 250 mm/min. However, the addition of 1 wt% of CeO2 improves the photo-degradation resistance of the PP matrix to UV exposure due to the UV light screening effects offered by these particles. The SEM images together with the results obtained from image processing show a homogenous dispersion of tracers in the PP matrix.ANR TRIPTI

Elaboration and Characterization of Traced Polypropylene with Rare Earth Oxides for Automatic Identification and Sorting of End-of-Life Plastics

Abstract The rare earth oxides can be used as tracers for the identification of polymer materials. This study focused on the detection of these particles and their effects on the mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene (PP). A new method was carried out to increase the sorting selectivity of PP during end of life recycling process and to improve the efficiency of sorting and its high speed identification. The tests were realized in a test system device which allows the collection of static measurements of the samples spectrum through the use of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technology. Five of the seven tracers tested are clearly visible and distinguishable from the background sample by their Ka1 energy line at concentration levels of 0.1 and 0.145 wt%. For the two remaining tracers, their Ka1 energy lines come out at the same domain of energy as the source. Dispersion of rare earth oxides at 0.1 and 1 wt% do not have a significant impact on the crystallization and melting temperature as well as on the temperature of maximum decomposition rate. The addition of 1 wt% of rare earth oxides leads to a slight increase of the flexural modulus, whereas the addition of 0.1 and 1 wt% causes a decrease of the elongation at break. SEM images show a homogenous dispersion of tracers in the PP matrix.ANR TRIPTIC RECORD ADEME RENAULT SITA VEOLIA ENVIRONNEMEN

Elaboration and Characterization of Traced Polypropylene with Rare Earth Oxides for Automatic Identification and Sorting of End-of-Life Plastics

Abstract The rare earth oxides can be used as tracers forthe identification of polymer materials. This study focusedon the detection of these particles and their effects on themechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene (PP).A new method was carried out to increase the sortingselectivity of PP during end of life recycling process and toimprove the efficiency of sorting and its high speed identification.The tests were realized in a test system devicewhich allows the collection of static measurements of thesamples spectrum through the use of energy dispersiveX-ray fluorescence technology. Five of the seven tracerstested are clearly visible and distinguishable from thebackground sample by their Ka1 energy line at concentrationlevels of 0.1 and 0.145 wt%. For the two remainingtracers, their Ka1 energy lines come out at the same domainof energy as the source. Dispersion of rare earth oxides at0.1 and 1 wt% do not have a significant impact on thecrystallization and melting temperature as well as on thetemperature of maximum decomposition rate. The additionof 1 wt% of rare earth oxides leads to a slight increase ofthe flexural modulus, whereas the addition of 0.1 and 1wt% causes a decrease of the elongation at break. SEMimages show a homogenous dispersion of tracers in the PPmatrix.International audienceAbstract The rare earth oxides can be used as tracers forthe identification of polymer materials. This study focusedon the detection of these particles and their effects on themechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene (PP).A new method was carried out to increase the sortingselectivity of PP during end of life recycling process and toimprove the efficiency of sorting and its high speed identification.The tests were realized in a test system devicewhich allows the collection of static measurements of thesamples spectrum through the use of energy dispersiveX-ray fluorescence technology. Five of the seven tracerstested are clearly visible and distinguishable from thebackground sample by their Ka1 energy line at concentrationlevels of 0.1 and 0.145 wt%. For the two remainingtracers, their Ka1 energy lines come out at the same domainof energy as the source. Dispersion of rare earth oxides at0.1 and 1 wt% do not have a significant impact on thecrystallization and melting temperature as well as on thetemperature of maximum decomposition rate. The additionof 1 wt% of rare earth oxides leads to a slight increase ofthe flexural modulus, whereas the addition of 0.1 and 1wt% causes a decrease of the elongation at break. SEMimages show a homogenous dispersion of tracers in the PPmatrix

he addition of tracers in polymers : A new X-ray fluorescence spectroscopic means, for the rapid identification and sorting of plastics

Rare earth oxides can be used as tracers for the identification of polymer materials in order to have an economically efficient recycling and high speed automatic sorting of plastic wastes. This study focused on the detection of these particles by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and their effect on PP matrix with respect to thermal and mechanical properties and to photo-degradation under UV irradiation exposure. Addition of 1000 ppm of such particles, of micrometric size, has a minor effect on the mechanical and thermal properties of the traced materials as well as in the photo-degradation of the polymer after UV irradiation exposure. The SEM images together with the results obtained from image processing show a homogenous dispersion of tracers into PP matrix. Regarding their detection by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, experimental and modeling results have shown that the rare earth oxides studied could be detected in a range [100-1000 ppm] for 10 ms acquisition time.Ce travail de thèse a eu comme objectif principal de prouver la faisabilité technique de détection par spectrométrie de fluorescence X de traceurs ajoutés dans une matrice polypropylène afin de développer un tri efficace et rentable. Dans un premier temps nous avons choisi les traceurs convenant le mieux à notre problématique, en s appuyant sur des critères tels que la toxicité et la radioactivité, l intensité du signal de détection, la singularité du pic, la disponibilité des réserves et le prix. Suite à l application de ces contraintes nous avons choisi les oxydes de terres rares comme traceurs. Deuxièmement, après avoir sélectionné les traceurs, nous avons étudié leur dispersion dans la matrice PP ainsi que leur impact sur les propriétés du matériau tracé. Les résultats expérimentaux présentés ont montré que l addition de 1000 ppm d oxyde de terre rare, de taille micrométrique, dans une matrice polypropylène a un impact non significatif sur les propriétés mécaniques et physico-chimiques, ainsi que sur la photo-dégradation sous rayonnement UV. De plus, la dispersion est homogène sans formation d agglomérats. Pour finir nous avons validé leur choix par rapport à la détection par SFX. Des résultats expérimentaux et de modélisation ont montré que nous pouvons détecter les oxydes de terre rare dans une gamme de concentration [100-1000 ppm] pour un temps d acquisition de 10 ms.VILLEURBANNE-DOC'INSA LYON (692662301) / SudocSudocFranceF

L addition de traceurs dans les polymères (Une nouvelle voie spectroscopique par fluorescence X, pour l'identification rapide et le tri des matériaux plastiques)

Ce travail de thèse a eu comme objectif principal de prouver la faisabilité technique de détection par spectrométrie de fluorescence X de traceurs ajoutés dans une matrice polypropylène afin de développer un tri efficace et rentable. Dans un premier temps nous avons choisi les traceurs convenant le mieux à notre problématique, en s appuyant sur des critères tels que la toxicité et la radioactivité, l intensité du signal de détection, la singularité du pic, la disponibilité des réserves et le prix. Suite à l application de ces contraintes nous avons choisi les oxydes de terres rares comme traceurs. Deuxièmement, après avoir sélectionné les traceurs, nous avons étudié leur dispersion dans la matrice PP ainsi que leur impact sur les propriétés du matériau tracé. Les résultats expérimentaux présentés ont montré que l addition de 1000 ppm d oxyde de terre rare, de taille micrométrique, dans une matrice polypropylène a un impact non significatif sur les propriétés mécaniques et physico-chimiques, ainsi que sur la photo-dégradation sous rayonnement UV. De plus, la dispersion est homogène sans formation d agglomérats. Pour finir nous avons validé leur choix par rapport à la détection par SFX. Des résultats expérimentaux et de modélisation ont montré que nous pouvons détecter les oxydes de terre rare dans une gamme de concentration [100-1000 ppm] pour un temps d acquisition de 10 ms.Rare earth oxides can be used as tracers for the identification of polymer materials in order to have an economically efficient recycling and high speed automatic sorting of plastic wastes. This study focused on the detection of these particles by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and their effect on PP matrix with respect to thermal and mechanical properties and to photo-degradation under UV irradiation exposure. Addition of 1000 ppm of such particles, of micrometric size, has a minor effect on the mechanical and thermal properties of the traced materials as well as in the photo-degradation of the polymer after UV irradiation exposure. The SEM images together with the results obtained from image processing show a homogenous dispersion of tracers into PP matrix. Regarding their detection by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, experimental and modeling results have shown that the rare earth oxides studied could be detected in a range [100-1000 ppm] for 10 ms acquisition time.VILLEURBANNE-DOC'INSA LYON (692662301) / SudocSudocFranceF

Addition of tracers into the polypropylene in view of automatic sorting of plastic wastes using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

This study focused on the detection of rare earth oxides, used as tracers for the identification of polymer materials, using XRF (X-ray fluorescence) spectrometry. The tests were carried out in a test system device which allows the collection of static measurements of the samples' spectrum through the use of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technology. A sorting process based on tracers added into the polymer matrix is proposed in order to increase sorting selectivity of polypropylene during end-of-life recycling. Tracers consist of systems formed by one or by several substances dispersed into a material, to add a selective property to it, with the aim of improving the efficiency of sorting and high speed identification. Several samples containing rare earth oxides (Y2O3, CeO2, Nd2O3, Gd2O3, Dy2O3, Er2O3 and Yb2O3) in different concentrations were prepared in order to analyse some of the parameters which can influence the detection, such as the concentration of tracers, the acquisition time and the possible overlapping among the tracers. This work shows that by using the XRF test system device, it was possible to detect 5 of the 7 tracers tested for 1 min exposure time and at a concentration level of 1000 ppm. These two parameters will play an important role in the development of an industrial device, which indicates the necessity of further works that needs to be conducted in order to reduce them