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Real-time identification of plastics by types using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

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Abstract

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy was applied for real-time identification of different types of plastics. The plasma emission spectra of polypropylene, acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate, the most commonly used plastics in black household appliances, were studied. It was confirmed that the C/H spectral line intensity ratio varies depending on the type of plastics. Aliphatic and aromatic polymers were discriminated owing to the presence of delocalized C–C bonds in the aromatic fragments, revealing a correlation between the chemical structure and emission of the C2 Swan bands. Plastics containing a heteroatom could be selectively detected by monitoring the emission line characteristics of the heteroatom. Four types of plastics were successfully identified despite their similar chemical structure.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the R&D Center for Valuable Recycling (Global-Top R&D Program) of the Ministry of Environment (Project No.:2016002250002). The authors would like to thank Mr. Bosung Jang, Director of ASI Korea Operations, for his technical support during the LIBS experiment and data analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, The University of Suwon, San 2-2, Wau-ri, Bongdam-eup, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, 445-743, South Korea

    Eunok Kim

  2. Center for IT and Environmental Research, The University of Suwon, San 2-2, Wau-ri, Bongdam-eup, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, 445-743, South Korea

    Woo Zin Choi

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  1. Eunok Kim
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  2. Woo Zin Choi
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Correspondence to Eunok Kim.

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Kim, E., Choi, W.Z. Real-time identification of plastics by types using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. J Mater Cycles Waste Manag 21, 176–180 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-018-0780-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-018-0780-z

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