Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of brominated flame retardants from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) derived from e-waste: Efficiency and life cycle assessment

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Resources Conservation and Recycling

Publication Date

3-1-2026

Abstract

The removal of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene derived from e-waste was investigated using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). A Taguchi experimental design evaluated the effects of solvent type, particle size, and solvent-to-polymer ratio on extraction performance. Optimal conditions (diethyl ether, <500 µm particles, 1:10 ratio) enabled 98.5 % BFR removal, thus reducing persistent organic pollutants content below regulatory limits. Ethanol, while more environmentally favorable, achieved lower removal efficiencies. Structural and thermal analyses confirmed the integrity of the polymer and supported effective debromination, with increased glass transition temperatures and reduced thermal degradation. Life cycle assessment identified solvent use, drying, and micronization as the most environmentally impactful stages. Incineration showed the lowest impacts, within a system boundary excluding metal recovery, outperforming UAE combined with mechanical recycling. Despite its drawbacks, incineration remains the most sustainable option for high-BFR plastics under current conditions, highlighting the need for a realistic evaluation of circular strategies.

ISSN

0921-3449

Publisher

Elsevier BV

Volume

227

Disciplines

Engineering

Keywords

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs), E-waste, Incineration, Life cycle assessment (LCA), Mechanical recycling, Ultrasound-assisted extraction

Scopus ID

105027020660

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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