Assessment of the technological properties of polymer dust TPE-E at the stage of waste preparation for processing

Purpose. The process of the crushing of polymer waste during the regeneration process is the main stage of the preparing the material for further use. It is usually accompanied by the formation of small particles of the polymer dust. These particles are unable to deposit into the receiving hopper under the influence of gravity; therefore, they are removed from the gas curve under the influence of centrifugal force. Small particles move towards the cyclone body wall and settle in the collectors.This leads to the accumulation of a significant amount of polymer materials classified as waste "Dust of polymer materials from filters" (code 578 002 00 11 00 4), and involves the search for ways of further use. The size of polymer dust particles determines the volumetric density, flowability and other technological characteristics at the stage of waste preparation for processing, and the physico-chemical properties affect the selection of optimal technologies that allow efficient recycling of waste and obtaining useful products.The aim of the work was to analyze the waste of polymer dust of polyesters TPE-Е in order to determine a number of technological properties as a potential raw material for creating various functional materials based on it.Methods. The analytical gravimetric method of the measurement of humidity, hygroscopicity, moisture capacity, moisture content, physico-chemical methods for determining granulometric composition, melting point, and chemical resistance assessment.Results. The paper evaluates the fundamental properties of TPE-Е polymer dust wastes, studies the technological properties of these bulk materials in terms of granulometric composition, humidity, flowability, specific volume, bulk density, and calculates second-order characteristics (indirect indicators), such as the angle of natural slope, coefficient of internal friction. The resistance of waste to solvents, acids, alkalis and their mixtures has been investigated Conclusion. The obtained characteristics are supposed to be used in the development of methods for processing and recycling of polymer dust TPE-Е.