Analysis of Polymer Components in Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31649/1997-9266-2024-174-3-21-26Keywords:
polymer, polymer waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment, plastic, waste managementAbstract
Polymer components have a significant share in the composition of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). About 28,000 tons of WEEE are generated annually in Ukraine, with the share of plastic up to 30%. To date, the content of polymer components in various WEEE remains insufficiently studied. The purpose of this study is to analyze the types and volumes of polymers in waste electrical and electronic equipment. The use of different types of polymers in waste electrical and electronic equipment was studied through an analysis of literature and open sources, in particular materials of electrical and electronic equipment manufacturers. Also, based on literature and technical data of manufacturers, the content of plastic in typical electrical and electronic devices was analyzed: monitor, keyboard, computer mouse, hair dryer, landline phone, camera, video camera, web camera, DVD player, TV, microwave oven. All of the tested devices have a case made of ABS plastic. Besides, all devices with a power cable are made of polyvinyl chloride. Polycarbonate elements are also quite common: parts of the screen, lens. Other types of polymers identified by the authors in WEEE include polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyphenylene sulfide. At the same time, the polymer content in WEEE reaches an average of 50 % by mass, and up to 60 % in some devices. Other polymers, used in electrical and electronic devices include high-impact polystyrene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyoxymethylene, styrene-acrylonitrile, polyamide, polymethyl methacrylate, polyphenylene oxide, modified polyphenylene ether, styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (synthetic rubber). The main field of polymer application in electrical and electronic equipment is providing electrical insulation. However, there are also polymers used as conductors and semiconductors: polyaniline, polyacetylene, polythiophene and polyfluorene. The variety of polymer types in WEEE highlights the importance of developing effective sorting and recycling strategies to ensure environmentally sustainable waste management. Besides, the analysis highlights the potential for WEEE plastic components reuse in the circular economy.
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