Chemical Polymer Separation (PLA, ABS, HIPS, and PETG)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the separation of a granular mixture of polymers: PLA, ABS, HIPS, and PETG. Participants explore methods for isolating these materials based on their densities, considering various solvents and surfactants for effective separation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a weighted solution of about 1.2g/ml to separate PLA and PETG, but expresses uncertainty about the best solvent or solute to use.
  • Another participant raises concerns about the "tolerable smell" of the solution and introduces the idea of surfactants to control the effective density problem caused by air bubbles.
  • A participant mentions having successfully separated ABS from HIPS using a 50/50 volumetric mix of acetic acid and water but is unsure how to isolate PETG from PLA.
  • There is a discussion about the anticipated duration of working with the solution and the frequency of refreshing the flotation medium, with one participant indicating they plan to work with it for about forty-five minutes once a week.
  • Suggestions for surfactants include starting with plain soap and potentially moving to more expensive options, depending on availability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various ideas and suggestions, but there is no consensus on the best method for isolating PETG from PLA or the most effective surfactants to use.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations regarding the availability of materials and the potential impact of contaminants on the separation process. There is also uncertainty about the effectiveness of proposed solutions and methods.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in polymer chemistry, material separation techniques, or those working with 3D printing materials may find this discussion relevant.

not_a_chemist
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Good day all!

I've got a granular mixture of PLA, ABS, HIPS, and PETG with a particle size of about a quarter inch, and I'm trying to isolate each polymer from the mix. PLA and PETG have densities of about 1.27g/ml, and ABS and HIPS have densities of around 1.06g/ml. I think a weighted solution of about 1.2g/ml would do nicely to separate the PLA/PETG, but I'm not sure what the best solvent/solute would be. I've already tried glycerin in water, and air bubbles tend to nucleate on the surface of the plastic, reducing the effective density and defeating the purpose. I'd like to use something that's non-toxic, cheap, and with a tolerable smell. Tall order?

I think calcium chloride might do the trick, but I'm not entirely sure.

I found a way to separate the ABS from the HIPS (50/50 volumetric mix of acetic acid and water), but I'm completely at a loss for how to isolate PETG from PLA. Any thoughts?

Thank you all very much!
 
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not_a_chemist said:
and with a tolerable smell. Tall order?
"Tolerable smell" over how long a time? You're essentially washing things, which brings surfactants https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surfactant , for control of your "effective density" problem, but those are going to be an extra rinse step. How often do you anticipate refresh/replacement of your flotation medium?
 
I'll be working with the solution for about forty five minutes, but probably only once a week. Surfactants sound like a good idea, are there any that would be the best to try? I don't have access to as large of a stock as I would like, so it would have to be special ordered.

I don't anticipate refreshing/replacing the solution very often. The plastic will be washed prior to being separated, and I don't imagine much dirt/adhesives or other contaminates will make it in.

Thank you!
 
not_a_chemist said:
washed prior to being separated,
Should go a long way toward controlling "smell."
not_a_chemist said:
best to try?
Plain soap, and work your way to more expensive?
 

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