Three sub-projects boost research collaborations in analytical science for plastic and composite waste:
1. Automatic sorting of waste printed circuit boards: Crucial aspect in the recycling of Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment is the pre-processing which entails the disassembling as well as the sorting, identification and isolation of components for either reuse or material recovery. We propose to study the fusion of data from techniques from solid waste sorting and visual inspection to delineate regions on waste PCBs for pre-processing steps such as isolation and pre-concentration.
2. Pre- and post-collection separation of plastic waste: Whether pre-separation of plastic waste by the citizen and waste post-separated by the recycler lead to output streams of sufficient quality depends on measuring and detecting different plastic types and waste characteristics that may hamper recycling. Determining this potential will provide a comparative value proposition for both policy alternatives.
3. Development of a PFAS sensor: In order to assist problem solving strategies and mitigation actions concerning the current PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) issues, an increase in fast analytical data is a must. We propose the development of a PFAS sensor which will allow for on-site measurements of PFAS contamination, without the need of a laboratory.
