Thermal Analysis Techniques for the Recycling of Polymers
The increased demand for plastic products has led to a rapid increase in the production of polymers. This, in turn, has resulted in an increase in environmental pollution. The desire to reduce this pollution, together with a desire to reduce the consumption of fossil hydrocarbons, has created a need to recycle polymer waste and return it to the economy as a raw material.
To achieve this goal, polymers need to be correctly identified and characterized. Suitable recycling processes must also be developed. Thermal analysis techniques are an ideal way to help accomplish these goals due to their suitability for analyzing polymer materials.