Recycling mixed polymer particles using a spiral tube tribo‐electrostatic separation device

At present, research on the electrostatic separation of polymers is primarily concentrated in the WEEE field, with limited studies addressing the electrostatic separation of vehicle polymers. In this study, tribo‐charging separation of PA66/PP (modified)/PE three‐component vehicle polymer mixed particles was investigated using a spiral tube tribo‐charged separation device. Firstly, a force model of particle movement in the spiral tube was established, and the theoretical analysis determined that the critical rotational speed of particle centrifugal movement is 70 rpm. Secondly, the optimal charging parameters were determined by single‐factor experiments and orthogonal experiments, and the effect of the blanking baffle on the particle charging was also investigated. Finally, high‐voltage electrostatic separation simulations and experiments were carried out, achieving separation purities of 92.8% for PA66, 80.7% for PP (modified), and 86.6% for PE, respectively. Results provide both theoretical and experimental reference for one‐pass electrostatic separation of three kinds of plastic particles by spiral tube turbo‐charged separation device. Highlights Separation of vehicle polymers is crucial for its high‐value‐added recycling. A spiral tube tribo‐electrostatic separation device is developed. The critical rotational speed of particle centrifugal movement is analyzed. The influence of the blanking baffle on the particle charge is investigated. The paper developed a spiral tube tribo‐electrostatic separation devicefor studying the behavior of polymer particles in a free‐falling high‐voltage electrostatic field. The polymer particles enter the blanking baffle through the output port after charging in the spiral tube. The particles then enter the free‐falling high‐voltage electrostatic field after passing through the blanking baffle, thereby completing the electrostatic separation and finally falling into the collector.