The use of air tabling and triboelectric separation for separating a mixture of three plastics

A two-stage process has been proposed for separation of mixed plastics prior to recycling. Polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were selected for investigation as they are widely used in the manufacture of everyday products. An air table was employed for the first stage of process to collect a PP-rich low-density fraction and a PET/PVC high-density fraction. In the second stage, the PET/PVC fraction was separated by means of a triboelectric separator utilizing differences in surface charge.