ZeroWaste PCBs project D5.3: Report on the selected input scrap and on the compatibilization strategy

In this deliverable the results carried out on the preparation of new materials by using the PCBs Non-Metal Fraction (NMF) powders are reported. Particularly these powders, as obtained by milling of PCBs scraps supplied by Magneti Marelli and Candy in output by mechanical pre-treatments performed in ITIA, have been used as fillers in new compounds according to the actions foreseen in the work plan. The final compounds have been realized by mixing the PCBs powders with other recycled materials (rubber tires and packaging scraps) using an innovative compatibilization procedure based on the set up of a cost effective emulsion technology already tested at the Institute of Chemistry and Technology on Polymers (ICTP)of CNR and modified "ad hoc" for its utilization with this kind of scraps . In fact previous researches carried out at ICTP showed the feasibility of this emulsion technology to prepare recycled thermoplastic composites containing large amount of filler of carbon fibers reinforced composites (CFRP) deriving from the dismantling of end-of-life aircrafts with the final target at realizing new high loaded thermoplastic based composites. In the case of PCBs powders, unlike the CFRP approach, a new procedure and a new compatibilization strategy were designed in order to obtain compounds with superior final properties. This was necessary because of the addition of other scraps (tires and packaging materials) to PCBs Non -Metal Fraction (NMF) powders asking different parameters during the processing of the materials. The properties of so obtained recycled composites have shown to be comparable to those of some virgin tecnopolymers and so these materials, due to their low production cost, can be reused in different sectors like building, furniture and automotive.