Separation of PVC from PET/PVC mixtures using flotation by calcium lignosulfonate depressant

Abstract

Recycling is an important activity in the minimization of waste that results from human activities. In the United States, 103.2 billion pounds of plastic are produced in 2011. Unfortunately, the majority of this plastic ends up in landfills where its decomposition process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 years. In this work, froth flotation was used to treat PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) mixtures. The parameters studied are fed mixtures component ratios, concentration of Calcium Lignosulfonate as wetting reagent and a number of cleaning flotation. The results show a yield of 100% pure PVC separated from PET.