A group of chemical engineers from the University of Bath in the UK and Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, USA, have developed an innovative method of recycling polystyrene that could establish itself as the first viable and sustainable option for the reuse of this material. Published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, this new approach uses pyrolysis to break down polystyrene into components that can be reconstituted into new polystyrene products.
Safe and cost-effective process
Dr. Bernardo Castro-Domínguez, senior lecturer at the University of Bath and co-director of the Center for Design, Manufacturing and Digital (dMaDe), emphasizes that the chemical recycling techniques are gaining importance in chemical engineering due to the urgent need for cost-effective and efficient methods. “Currently, only 5% of polystyrene is recycled; however, our process has the potential to increase this figure to 60%.“mentions Dr. Castro-Domínguez.
Dr. Michael Timko, of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, emphasizes that polystyrene is an ideal candidate for chemical recycling due to its energy efficiency and economic viability. “The process can significantly reduce carbon emissions, comparable to other energy conservation measures.“Timko adds.
About the new polystyrene recycling process
The pyrolysis technique applied to polystyrene involves heating it to temperatures above 450°C in an oxygen-free environment, avoiding combustion and breaking it down into monomers that are then purified and reused. This process consumes less than 10 megajoules of energy per kilogram of material, which is extraordinarily efficient compared to other recycling methods.
The recycling system includes a pyrolysis reactor, a heat exchanger and a heat exchanger and two distillation columns that separate monomer-grade styrene and light and heavy oil by-products, which can be put to other uses. This system has a 60% yield, which means that from 1 kg of used polystyrene, 600 grams of 99% pure styrene can be recovered for the production of new polystyrene, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Environmental and economic impact
In addition, this process offers a significant environmental benefit, as the cost of reducing carbon emissions is approximately $1.5 per ton of CO₂, much less than many other recycling methods. The researchers suggest that policies that encourage polystyrene recycling or diversion from landfills would make the process even more economical.
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Source: bath.ac.uk
Photos: shutterstock
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