Development of an optimal and innovative technology to prevent plastic waste causing the ecological crisis

Quliyeva F.

I INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CURRENT PROBLEMS IN ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCES (ICCPEAS 2025), pp.201, 2025 (Conference Book)

Qısa məlumat

The rapid increase in plastic production and consumption has led to a significant rise in industrial and household waste, posing serious environmental challenges worldwide (1,2). Among various polymers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene (PP) are particularly problematic due to their high chemical stability, long decomposition periods, and the release of toxic compounds during disposal or incineration (3,5). In Azerbaijan, the growing demand for polymer-based materials in the construction sector has intensified the need for sustainable recycling technologies (6). This study examines the physicochemical, mechanical, and ecological characteristics of plastics, focusing on their durability, biodegradability, and processing behavior (3). A detailed analysis of polymer structures and additives such as stabilizers, plasticizers, and flame retardants is presented to explain their influence on material performance and environmental impact (4,6). Current recycling practices, primarily based on extrusion and melting processes, are found to be energy-intensive, space-demanding, and prone to degrading the quality of recovered materials (5). To address these limitations, the research proposes the development of an innovative non-melting recycling technology that enables the reuse of plastic waste without full thermal degradation. The proposed method aims to reduce energy consumption, minimize harmful emissions, and enhance the quality of recycled products. Integrating such recycled polymers into composite concrete materials is expected to improve thermal, acoustic, and waterproofing properties while lowering production costs (6). The study outlines the main research objectives: 1. to design an environmentally safe and economically feasible recycling process; 2. to optimize composite formulations using industrial plastic waste; and 3. to evaluate the mechanical and physical performance of the resulting materials. The findings are anticipated to support the circular economy, promote sustainable development, and contribute to waste reduction strategies within the construction industry. REFERENCES [1] UNEP (2023). From Pollution to Solution: A Global Assessment of Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution. [2] OECD (2024). Global Plastics Outlook 2024. [3] ISO/TR 21960:2020. Plastics — Environmental aspects — State of knowledge and methodologies. [4] Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2022). Circular Economy and PlasticsInnovation Report. [5] Al-Salem, S. M., Lettieri, P., & Baeyens, J. (2009). “Recycling and recovery routes of plastic solid waste (PSW).” Waste Management, 29(10), 2625– 2643. [6] Ahmadov, M. (2020). Behavior and Recycling of PVC-Based Materials as Waste. Scientific Works of AMIU, No. 2, 45–56.