Plastic waste recycling in additive manufacturing: Recovery of polypropylene from WEEE for the production of 3D printing filaments

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2024.112474
• Publication Date: 2024-03-19T16:58:31Z
• Authors: Andrea Spirio; Rossella Arrigo; Alberto Frache; Letizia Tuccinardi; Riccardo Tuffi
• Keywords: Polypropylene; Fused filament fabrication

The inefficient management of wastes recovered from electric and electronic apparatuses (the so-called WEEE or e-waste) has become a severe global concern in the last years, since indiscriminate accumulation containing hazardous material poses serious risks for environmental, as well human health. Despite continuous development innovative efficient technologies mechanical recycling plastics, effective re-utilization these fractions is often limited by their poor value-added. In this work, we propose strategy valorization typical plastic stream small appliances (mainly composed on polypropylene filled with talc particles) through formulation filaments suitable Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing processes. Preliminary spectroscopic analyses plastics allowed separating sample two streams, according to different content talc. Both streams were first characterized rheological point view, aiming at assessing printability. Then, properties morphology (obtained after close optimization extrusion conditions) evaluated; obtained results indicated achievement regular geometry comparable those commercial filaments. Finally, printed specimens showed satisfactory quality terms resolution definition, demonstrating possibility profitably enhancing value-added using them feedstock produce sustainable