E-waste decomposes through catalysis

Archiv – Electronic products manufacturer Panasonic has developed a recycling technology that enables the recovery of metals from plastic-coated wires and plastics used in electric and electronic equipment without causing hazardous side-effects. Using the catalytic properties of titanium oxide, the innovative technology facilitates recovery of inorganic substances such as metals by transforming organic substances such as plastics into harmless gases. Japan | Electronic products manufacturer Panasonic has developed a recycling technology that enables the recovery of metals from plastic-coated wires and plastics used in electric and electronic equipment without causing hazardous side-effects. Using the catalytic properties of titanium oxide, the innovative technology facilitates recovery of inorganic substances such as metals by transforming organic substances such as plastics into harmless gases.
Panasonic is successfully using the new technology at the Matsushita Eco Technology Center (METEC) to recover copper from degaussing coils covered with vinyl chloride tape found in cathode ray tube televisions. In addition, mixed plastic waste destined for incineration or landfill is being converted into non-toxic gases at METEC. The method not only offers a ’zero waste’ solution but also helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions as little external energy is required in the gasification process, it is explained.
Around 80% by weight of all collected home appliances are sorted into metallic and plastic fractions. The remaining 20% is currently regarded as non-recyclable waste, including rubber, mixed glass and mixed plastic waste which is difficult to sort further owing to its complexity. Although some mixed plastic waste can be used as fuel, wastes containing certain chemicals – such as vinyl chloride – need to be treated in a high-temperature incinerator to avoid dioxin emissions.
The new recycling method combines Kusatsu Electric’€™s non-incineration plastic disposal technology (using titanium oxide) and the high-grade materials recovery technology utilised by Panasonic to recycle obsolete home appliances. The method revolves around unique mixing and carrier systems that allow plastics to contact the catalyst efficiently for gasification, leaving the valuable metals. As the catalytic reaction of titanium dioxide generates heat to promote gasification, an additional heating source is not required in the process. The method uses cooling water to maintain the temperature (500 degC) for an optimal catalytic reaction. The heated water from the process can be used for other purposes. Hydrogen chloride produced during the gasification process of vinyl chloride is neutralised using lime.