Professional paper

Sorting and Identification of Polymeric Components of Waste Grave Lanterns

Matko ERCEG orcid.org/0000-0002-8626-1193 ; University of Split, Faculty of chemistry and Technology, Split
Irena BANOVAC orcid.org/0000-0001-6019-0473 ; University of Split, Faculty of chemistry and Technology, Split
Ivana BRNAS ; University of Split, Faculty of chemistry and Technology, Split

Abstract

In this paper the sorting and identification of polymers from waste grave lanterns has been performed. The applied analysis methods are manual sorting, gravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy and fl oat-sink technique. The lanterns were first manually sorted into components: housing, paraffin, lids and batteries (type AA and C). Infrared spectroscopy has revealed that the lantern housings are 100% plastic and made of poly(vinyl chloride) and polypropylene, plastic lids are made of poly(ethylene terephthalate), polystyrene and polypropylene, while housings for AA and C batteries are made of polyethylene and polystyrene. Polymers were further successfully separated by fl oat-sink technique and the results obtained are consistent with those obtained using infrared spectroscopy. The combination of manual and fl oat-sink separation technique is appropriate for sorting polymers from waste grave lanterns.

Keywords

infrared spectroscopy; polymer waste; polymer waste separation; waste grave lanterns

Hrčak ID:

116681

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/116681

Publication date:

16.2.2014.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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