Scientists from Omsk State Technical University (OmSTU) have proposed an environmentally friendly method of recycling polymer containers used to store oil products in the Far North. Omsk State Technical University is a partner of TV BRICS.

OmSTU researchers have created a polymer composite material based on polyethylene and developed a design of canisters for storing and transporting petroleum products in the Arctic. This design increases the possibility of transporting the canisters on a euro pallet by 60 per cent and makes it possible to utilise them with heat and electricity generation.

The new method of recycling polymer containers is based on pyrolysis – decomposition of waste when heated without access to air. The method is based on a modifying additive introduced into polyethylene or polycarbonate at the container manufacturing stage. This additive improves the material’s resistance to degradation during disposal. The developed method reduces the pyrolysis onset temperature and decomposition peak of the samples, leading to more efficient polymer recycling and less solid waste, as well as reducing harmful emissions, including toxic carbon monoxide.

“Our method allows us to obtain the maximum amount of usable products and minimise harmful waste,” said Valery Trushlyakov, Professor at OmSTU.

He also added that the research confirmed the feasibility of using modified polyethylene containers, as they not only have the necessary operational properties, but also reduce toxicity during disposal.

Photo: OmSTU