Photocentric’s program on recycling end of life
cured polymers
Photocentric has been evaluating different methods of recycling thermosets, we have worked in partnerships with universities and researchers at the cutting edge of this field and evaluated methods of recovering useful energy from them. Thermosets are built from very strong, hard to break bonds, so when they are formulated well and exposed properly, they are very tough, which is a good thing for their functional use.
We evaluated chemical and mechanical recycling. In addition to this there is the default position of incineration, where the burnt polyurethane generates energy, but with the drawback that it produces CO₂.
Liquid polymer disposal
If you have a large quantity, please contact us as we can take it back for reprocessing. Our Second-Life recycling process only operates on solid material. To convert liquid to solid we recommend the greenest way is to polymerise in clear containers using sunlight.
Chemical recycling
We have evaluated
a) Re-polymerisation where we decompose the polymer to a liquid again for subsequent reformulation and reuse
b) Catalytic breakdown via pyrolysis where we grind it and add a catalyst and heat in the absence of oxygen to create syngas
c) Enzymes to create the breakdown
d) Supercritical CO₂ recycling to break down the bonds
e) Hydrolysis using water and high temperatures
f) Glycolysis conversion into reusable polyols and
g) Aminolysis recovery back into diamines. Currently these haven’t provided meaningful energy out, compared to energy in, but we continue to explore their viability.
Mechanical Recycling
We have looked at grinding and reusing them,
h) adding them back into liquid photopolymers and i) using them as an additive in a composite. We grind the solid polymers into micron sized particles and incorporate them back into new product. We are exploring opportunities to incorporate these thermoset polymers as valuable heat-resistant and compressive fillers in building and construction products (concrete, rubber mats, insulation, particle board, acoustic panels and flooring) to circularise their use.
Our direction of travel
We want to make our 3D printing processes renewable and recyclable with the lowest embedded carbon of any manufacturing method. We are keen to work with you to achieve these aims.
