Polymer Recycling Techniques

This chapter includes an introduction to polymers and their recycling methods. Recycling is the most suitable alternative to control and avoid the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment. Polymers are compounded for improved performance which makes them difficult to reuse and/or recycle. Polymers can be categorised into two major groups: thermosetting and thermoplastic. The production and use of thermoplastic polymers are much higher in quantity as compared to thermosets globally. Therefore, the recycling techniques for thermoplastics are of major importance. Primary, secondary and tertiary recycling techniques for thermoplastics are discussed in this chapter. Waste management for thermosets is mostly unavoidable and important from an environmental point of view. Thermal, mechanical, chemical waste recycling techniques for thermosets and the inherent recyclability of thermoset polymers are focused in this chapter. The potential applications of recycled thermoplastics and thermosets are also discussed.