Development of hybrid materials from polypropylene and electronic waste plastics: characterization and potential application

The growing volume of electronic waste (e-waste) poses a significant environmental challenge, demanding innovative recycling solutions. This study investigates the feasibility of incorporating monitor cabinet scraps (CS) from liquid crystal display (LCD) as a partial substitute for virgin polypropylene (PP), with the goal of developing sustainable and low-cost materials. PP/CS blends were prepared by melt mixing and injection molding. Morphological and rheological analyses revealed phase segregation and the amorphous nature of the CS, while thermal analysis indicated a reduction in PP's crystallinity at high CS concentrations. Mechanical tests demonstrated that both composition and processing method critically influence the material's performance. Notably, the direct injection molding of a blend with 10% CS resulted in a balanced set of properties, highlighting the potential for creating useful and environmentally friendly materials. This sample presented mechanical properties statistically equal to virgin PP. This approach not only offers a practical solution for recycling e-waste, in alignment with the principles of the circular economy, but also opens up new opportunities for producing value-added composite materials for industrial applications, thereby reducing environmental impact and production costs.