The Recycling Of CRTs Glass By Thermal Processing

Abstract:

Dismantling of Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) represents a pressing environmental problem. Dismantled CRTs are generally used in the production of new CRTs in close-circuit recycling scheme, but CRT technology is becoming obsolete, due to the technological changes towards flat panels so new applications must be found. On the other hand, new legislation, such as the European Directive on Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), will require increased recycling and recovery rate, while landfilling should be more and more a residual option.Due to the particular composition of CRTs glasses (funnel and panel, welded together with a lead frit), in-depth investigations need to evaluate the feasibility of open-circuit recycling scheme, considering technical features, quantities, environmental implications and economic considerations.In this study, an experimental process for CRT glass recycling has been tested to obtain a product able to meet the required market standard. After a mechanical comminution process at industrial scale on CRTs glasses, consisting of an attrition operation controlled by a screening unit, the obtained glass cullets have been utilised in a thermal process at laboratory scale to produce a porous glass suitable for structural and insulating applications in building constructions, using calcium carbonate as foaming agent. Different operative conditions have been tested, varying process temperature and concentration of the foaming agent. The shape of pores and the properties of porous glass obtained have been investigated by image and mechanical analysis, in order to set up the proper operative conditions.

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