Flotace PLA

Abstract

The thesis discusses the possibility of using flotation to separate PLA from PET and as an alternative method for optical separators or manual sorting. The theoretical part deals with the description of the current state of conventional plastics production with a focus on PET and PVC, but also the state of PLA production and biodegradable plastics which PLA falls under. After that follows a brief description of the waste materials, focusing on the basic physical, chemical and mechanical properties of these materials. While the production of waste materials increases the need for new procedures to separate different types of materials grows, and therefore the next part of thesis deals with these options through the column flotation. The practical part deals with the implementation of separation of PLA from PET and the description of the various factors which influence course of flotation.