Thermal degradation of ABS-Br mixed with PP and catalytic debromination by iron oxide carbon composite catalyst (Fe–C)

Abstract

The degradation of brominated (Br: 9.59 wt%) flame retardant containing acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) copolymer [waste from electric and electronic equipment, (WEEE)] mixed with polypropylene (PP) was performed at 450 °C using iron oxide carbon composite catalyst (Fe–C) and produced bromine-free liquid products. The majority of nitrogen present in the acrylonitrile portion of ABS-Br was converted into ammonia and also light aliphatic nitriles. The liquid products can be used as a fuel oil or feedstock in the petroleum refinery.