Mechanical Recycling of Autoclave Laminated Plastic

Towards Sustainable Waste Management

Master thesis (2023)

Authors

Contributors

Bart van Straten Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (mentor)

Tim Horeman Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (mentor)

T. Horeman Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (mentor)

Faculty

Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical recycling Medical sterilization pouches Medical waste Packaging waste Plastic Waste Polypropylene Sustainable healthcare

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Published Date

13-11-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

Introduction: The environmental impact of singleuse medical plastics is a growing concern. One such plastic component, autoclave laminated plastic (ALP), commonly used in medical sterilization pouches, is typically discarded after use, but it holds potential for recycling. This research paper investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of mechanical recycling as a solution for ALP waste.
Methods: The study commences by analyzing the composition of collected ALP materials using X-ray diffraction analysis. Subsequently, recycling techniques,
including melting, and shredding, are explored and assessed.
Results: After multiple melting setups, the high-pressure melting setup, augmented by a continuous pressure spring mechanism, successfully yielded recycled ALP blocks that could be further processed into dogbone-shaped specimens. The results of the tensile tests revealed a Young’s modulus of 269 ± 85 MPa for the recycled ALP.
Discussion: These findings hold promise in the transformation of ALP waste into valuable recycled products, mitigating the environmental impact of single-use medical plastics. However, the study underscores the need for further optimization of the recycling process to enhance mechanical properties and overall material quality, ultimately advancing sustainability efforts in the medical sector.

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