Optimized industrial sorting of WEEE plastics: Development of fast and robust h-XRF technique for hazardous components

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) are a source of both hazardous valuable materials that must be segregated for treatment. Previous studies addressing the use handheld X-Ray fluorescence (h-XRF) as sorting tool WEEE plastics through identification components include from mixed streams, processed material (shredded or treated plastics) low number samples not allowing to consider their findings application on an industrial scale. Thus, further research is needed establish scalable robust methods this material. We describe study carried out whole flat panel display (FPD) plastic casings using h-XRF detection total bromine (Br) antimony (Sb) tracers Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) Sb2O3 additives. The aim being characterize targeted define optimal analysis conditions meet large scale throughputs. A ring trial exercise comprising 100 was conducted evaluate validity measurements. Results indicate that: 1) under determined in offers valid technique screen Br Sb FPD at with uncertainty, 2) found homogeneously distributed within casing, 3) time 10 seconds suitable accuracy practical implementation LOD<[Br]≤ 830 mg kg−1 LOD<[Sb]≤8400 kg−1, 4) presence dust deposited excluded factor affecting results. To our knowledge first evaluation h-XRF, manual dismantling process.