Análise do processo de despolimerização de resíduos de resinas dentárias à base de pmma em diferentes escalas de produção

Abstract

In recent years, the increasing use of plastics has brought economic and industrial benefits but has also led to a significant rise in waste, representing a global environmental challenge. In this context, pyrolysis emerges as a promising technology, offering potential solutions to address the growing problem of plastic waste and promote a more sustainable circular economy. This study investigated the thermal decomposition of dental waste based on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), focusing on the thermodynamic characterization and optimization of pyrolysis processes at different production scales. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) showed that PMMA waste remains stable up to 200 ºC, with degradation starting as mass loss occurs beyond this temperature. Thermal decomposition was observed to occur in a single stage, with a decomposition peak at 366 ºC, within the range of 327 ºC to 405 ºC, primarily due to radical depolymerization under inert nitrogen and argon atmospheres. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed an endothermic peak between 370 ºC and 433 ºC, highlighting the complexity of the pyrolysis processes. The energy characterization showed specific values of 423 J/g for total heat, 1748 J/g for gasification heat, and approximately 820 J/g for decomposition heat, indicating discrepancies that require further investigation for a more complete understanding. In studies using semi-batch fixed-bed reactors, a temperature gradient along the bed was observed to have an adverse impact on the liquid yield and MMA concentration, especially in technical and pilot scales, where the gradient was more pronounced due to the thicker bed. Two critical variables were identified: reactor load and power load, both of which decreased as the process scale increased, leading to lower pyrolysis temperatures and negatively affecting MMA production. Additionally, higher temperatures were found at the edges of the fixed bed, which increased gas production and reduced liquid yield. The liquid fraction analysis revealed a predominance of MMA at the beginning of the reaction, with a gradual transition to aromatic hydrocarbons in the final stages, associated with the pyrolysis of residual char, which increased with the scale of production. The results highlight the effectiveness of temperatures below 450 ºC in producing MMA-rich liquid fractions, even under temperature gradient conditions, emphasizing the importance of moderate heating rates for efficient PMMA depolymerization in semi-batch systems. These findings provide valuable insights for reactor design and are essential for the economic evaluation and optimization of PMMA recycling processes through pyrolysis at various production scales.