Nowadays, Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have dominated the power source market in a variety of applications. Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) is one of the most common cathode materials for LIBs in consumer electronics. The recycling of LIBs is important because cobalt is an expensive element that is dependent on foreign sources for production. Lithium-ion batteries need to be recycled and disposed properly when they reach the end of life (EOL) to avoid negative environmental impact. This project focuses on recycling cathode material (LiCoO2) by direct method. Two automation stages, tape peeling stage and unrolling stage, are designed for disassembling prismatic winding cores. Different sintering conditions (e.g., temperature, sintering atmosphere, the amount of lithium addition) are investigated to recycle EOL cathode materials. The results show that the capacity of the recycled cathode materials increases with increasing temperature. The extra Li addition leads to worse cycling performance. In addition, the sintering atmosphere has little influence on small- scale sintering. Also, most of directly recycled cathode materials have better electrochemical (EC) performance than commercial LiCoO2 (LCO) from Sigma, especially when cycling with 4.45V cutoff voltage. / Master of Science / Nowadays, Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have dominated the power source market in a variety of applications. A LIB contains an anode, a cathode and electrolyte. The cathode material is the most valuable component in the LIB. Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) is one of the most common cathode materials for LIBs in consumer electronics. The recycling of LIBs is important because cobalt is an expensive element that is dependent on foreign sources for production. Lithium-ion batteries need to be recycled and disposed properly when they reach end of life (EOL) to avoid negative environmental impact. The direct recycling is a cost effective and energy conservative method which can be divided into two steps: retrieving the cathode materials from EOL LIBs and regenerating the cathode materials. This project focuses on recycling LiCoO2 by direct method. Two automation modules, tape peeling stage and unrolling stage, are designed for a disassembling line which is the automation line to collect the cathodes materials. The EOL cathode materials is lithium deficient (Li1-xCoO2). To regenerate the EOL cathode materials, lithium is added into structure of cathode materials which is called the re-lithiation process. The different sintering conditions (e.g., temperature, sintering atmosphere, the amount of lithium addition) are investigated for the re-lithiation process. The results show that the capacity of the recycled cathode materials increases with increasing temperature. The extra Li addition in iv Li1-xCoO2 leads to worse cycling performance. In addition, sintering atmosphere has little influence on small- scale sintering. Most of directly recycled cathode materials have better electrochemical (EC) performance than commercial LiCoO2, especially when cycling with 4.45V cutoff voltage.

No / This research aims to conduct an exploratory analysis into current industrial reverse logistics practice in business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-customer relationships (B2C), and determine the financial and operational impact of customer non-compliance in returning distribution equipment back to their source. The analysis was conducted over multiple industry sectors using qualitative research techniques. The research sample included seven industry sectors, providing a response rate of 72 per cent (53 sources approached). The focus was on both B2B and B2C relationships to determine similarities and differences in financial and operational repercussions. The research findings indicate that the efficacy of the reverse logistics system can be undermined by lack of customer compliance, with losses of up to £140 million (B2B). In both B2B and B2C relationships, there is evidence of suppliers suffering financial loss due to customer non-compliance. Due to the small scale of the analysis and the breadth of the industry sectors investigated, these results are not generalisable, but do indicate that this is an area, which could undermine supply chain effectiveness. Practical implications – Non-compliance of this nature carries a direct and highly applicable cost for manufacturers and distributors in the practitioner arena. Suppliers within industry need to acknowledge this issue and manage their reverse logistics more effectively. This paper adopts an innovative focus on an understated feature of the reverse logistics cycle, i.e. the recycling of distribution equipment used to transport outbound and returned products. The paper identifies a range of options, which practitioners can use as guidance when managing the returns system.

Problem: The demand of beverages in PET bottles is constantly increasing. In this context, environmental, technological and regulatory aspects set a stronger focus on recycling. Generally, the reuse of recycled material from post-consumer PET bottles in bottle-to-bottle applications is seen as least environmentally harmful. However, closed-loop systems are not widely implemented in Europe. Previous research mainly focuses on open-loop recycling systems and generally lacks discussion about the current German and Swedish systems and their challenges. Furthermore, previous studies lack theoretical and practical enhancements for bottle-to-bottle recycling from a managerial perspective. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the PET bottle recycling systems in Germany and Sweden, analyse the main barriers and develop enhancements for closed-loop systems. Method: This qualitative study employs a case study strategy about the two cases of Germany and Sweden. In total, 14 semi-structured interviews are conducted with respondents from different industry sectors within the PET bottle recycling systems. The empirical data is categorised and then analysed by pattern matching with the developed theoretical framework. Conclusion: Due to the theoretical and practical commitment to closed-loop recycling, the Swedish PET bottle recycling system outperforms the Germany system. In Germany, bottle-to-bottle recycling is currently performed on a smaller scale without a unified system. The main barriers for bottle-to-bottle recycling are distinguished into (1) quality and material factors, (2) regulatory and legal factors, (3) economic and market factors and (4) factors influenced by consumers. The enhancements for the systems are (1) quality and material factors, (2) regulatory and legal factors, (3) recollection factors and (4) expanding factors. Lastly, the authors provide further recommendations, which are (1) a recycling content symbol on bottle labels, (2) a council for bottle quality in Germany, (3) a quality seal for the holistic systems, (4) a reduction of transportation in Sweden and (5) an increase of consumer awareness on PET bottle consumption.

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

A research report submitted to the School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies in Partial Fulfillment for the Master‘s Degree in Science University of the Witwatersrand. Johannesburg, 5 June 2017. / With consumer culture that encourages societies to buy more, waste production increases as well. A lack of site specific data regarding waste conceptualisations and practices inhibits sustainable waste initiatives such as separation at source programmes from being successful and results in poor participation levels. This research report investigates these issues through a case study of Elizabeth Fry Village (EFV) in Vorna Valley, Midrand, particularly focusing on a Separation at Source programme in Elizabeth Fry Village. This research was conducted over a 6 month period between September 2016 and March 2017. There are two approaches within the broad debate around waste that this research engages with. The first is the approach presented by Moore (2012), Gutberlet (2013), Oteng-Ababio (2014) and Parizeau (2015) who argue that the different ways that people understand and conceptualise waste influences their waste practices, including participation in recycling programmes. The second approach focuses on the practical factors that affect participation in recycling programmes (Tonglet et al., 2004 and Martin et al., 2006). Based on mixed methods including participant observation, interviews, desktop studies and a waste composition study conducted in Elizabeth Fry Village, this research report argues that it is necessary to combine both approaches to develop a comprehensive understanding of people‘s participation or lack thereof in recycling programmes such as separation at source (S@S). It is recommended that future research explores mechanisms for the better use of putrescible waste and that aspects such as convenience, time, space, knowledge and awareness are further investigated to increase participation rates in the area. Another major aspect identified for future research is exploring how to shift people‘s conceptualision of waste to recognise it as a positive material. Keywords: Recycling, waste, separation at source (S@S), conceptualisation, participation, Elizabeth Fry Village (EFV), Midrand / LG2017

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Engineering. Johannesburg, 2016 / The purpose of this investigation was to investigate whether or not it would be possible to separate blow moulded and injection moulded waste plastics using two techniques; air classification and ballistic separation. Air classification and ballistic separation are two techniques that separate different types of material according to size, shape and density. Previous research, together with new measurements, has suggested that blow mould plastics tend to be thinner in terms of wall thickness than injection moulded plastics meaning that air classification could be used to separate each type of plastic. The material used for the study was supplied by a Romanian recycler and was a mixture of High Density Polyethylene and polypropylene. Two additional samples, one Polyethylene rich and the other polypropylene rich, were also included in the research. The first part of the study involved measuring different characteristics of the material to determine how to go about performing the different air classification experiments. The second part of the study focused on separating the different material samples using different air classifier systems and a ballistic separation system. The third part of the study focused on processing the samples from part 2 (air classification) into test specimens for further mechanical and melt flow property measurements. After measuring the mechanical and melt flow properties of the different samples it was found that air classification did not substantially improve the mechanical or melt flow properties of the material. The study did, however, show that there is a strong correlation between polymer type and melt flow properties. High Density polypropylene is generally used for blow mould applications whereas polypropylene is generally used for injection mould applications. Separating the material according to polymer type therefore means that the material is, to an extent, also sorted according to melt flow properties. / MT2017

The development of the central nervous system is dysregulated in neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and epilepsy. These three disorders have different clinical features, yet there is high comorbidity between them. They can be difficult to study due to their highly complex aetiologies, however there are various monogenic diseases that can cause all of them, including SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency where the synaptic guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase)-activating protein (SYNGAP) protein levels are highly reduced; Fragile X syndrome where the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is no longer translated; and DNM1 epileptic encephalopathy where mutations in the Dynamin1 gene alter the protein function. These monogenic conditions are synaptopathies as the proteins affected play important roles in synapse stability and neurotransmission. Because of the high comorbidity between these disorders, it is hypothesised that there may be a common mechanism underlying them. We hypothesise that a deficit in presynaptic vesicle recycling may be part of a common mechanism underlying intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and epilepsy especially in SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency, Fragile X syndrome, and DNM1 epileptic encephalopathy. Using various fluorescent presynaptic activity reporters including synaptic pHluorins, tetramethylrhodamine dextran and calcium dyes to compare presynaptic activity in in vitro models of these monogenic conditions, we found differences in synaptic vesicle (SV) endocytosis in the genetically altered conditions compared to wildtype controls. We observed various SV endocytosis defects in clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) or activity-dependent bulk endocytosis (ADBE) in our models. We observed enhanced CME in SynGAP1 KO mouse hippocampal neurons. This enhanced SV endocytosis was accompanied by decreased SV cargo on the plasma membrane. Rat SynGAP1 KO hippocampal neurons did not display enhanced SV endocytosis, nor did neurons with the GTPase-activating (GAP) domain of SynGAP deleted. This was perhaps due to the altered time course of development between these rodent species. In mouse and rat models of Fragile X syndrome, CME was not altered compared to wildtype controls. However, in a rat model, we observed fewer nerve terminals undergoing ADBE which is the dominant SV endocytosis mode during elevated neuronal activity. De novo epileptic encephalopathy-associated mutations in DNM1 had differential effects on SV recycling through both CME and ADBE. Mouse hippocampal neurons overexpressing Dyn1R237W, Dyn1I289F and Dyn1H396D all showed less CME compared to overexpression of Dyn1WT. Moreover, fewer nerve terminals overexpressing Dyn1H396D were found to undergo ADBE. We also found that a large-conductance potassium (BK) channel opener can accelerate clathrin-mediated endocytosis and thus may be able to rescue the impaired SV endocytosis caused by these mutants. Although there is not yet a common underlying pathway at the presynaptic level between these conditions, SV recycling dysfunction is present across all of these models. Furthermore, we propose an axis of pathophysiology model where optimal SV endocytosis is required for optimised neural performance. We propose that either decreased or increased SV endocytosis can lead to the synaptic dysfunction observed in these models.

Syftet med rapporten var att studera möjliga återvinningstekniker för Ragn-Sells. För detta användes litteratursökning och intervjuer. Återvinningstekniker som studerats är mekanisk bearbetning, mekanisk återvinning, kemisk återvinning och viskostillverkning. Flera underklasser till dessa metoder studerades också, liksom flera sätt att tillverka återvunna produkter. Rapporten nämner ett urval av återvinningstekniker och försöker inte nämna alla tillgängliga återvinningstekniker.Återvinningsteknikerna har sorterats enligt prioriteringen i EU:s återvinningsdirektiv (2008/98/EG). Alla utom en teknik var genomförbar enligt den kunskap och teknologi som existerar idag. Fyra återvinningstekniker är inte lagliga i EU.En stor majoritet av återvinningsmetoderna är tekniskt genomförbara idag. Uppgifter saknas om det är tekniskt möjligt att tillverka viskos av återvunna textila fibrer. Återvinningsmetoder som berör att gräva ned textila fibrer från konsument i marken är inte tillåtna enligt EU-lagstiftning. The recycling techniques studied were mechanical processing, mechanical recycling, chemical recycling and regenerated fiber spinning. There were several subclasses to these recycling methods, and several ways of making recycled products. The study mentions a selection of recycling techniques and does not intent to mention all available techniques. Technical ways of recycling textile have been studied by literature review and interviews. The recycling methods have been sorted by the priority list in EU Directive on Waste (2008/98/EG). All but one method was feasible with the knowledge and technology available today. All but four recycling methods are legal in Europe.A great majority of the recycling techniques were found feasible with the technology and knowledge available today. Data has not been found in the case of using recycled fibers as raw material for making regenerated fibers. Recycling techniques which interfere with burying recycled fibers from consumer applications in the ground were found illegal in the European Union. / Program: Textilingenjörsutbildningen

No description available.

O desafio da gestão dos resíduos gerados pela produção e consumo de produtos sempre acompanhou a humanidade, revelando-se um problema quando se trata do seu descarte e destinação. No entanto, nos últimos anos verifica-se um agravamento deste problema, dado o volume e diversidade de resíduos gerados. Em especial, os resíduos poliméricos merecem bastante destaque pelo seu grande volume nos aterros sanitários e pela poluição causada em diversos ecossistemas. A reciclagem deste material é apontada como uma alternativa e auxílio na solução do problema. O presente estudo teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento de um método de reciclagem do polietileno de baixa densidade que envolve operações de processamento mecânico e tratamento térmico e químico do material. Para isto, blendas de resíduos de polietileno de baixa densidade (PEBD) e polipropileno (PP) com até 30 % em massa de PP foram preparadas com a incorporação de catalisadores do tipo zeólita ZSM-5 e Ziegler-Natta e submetidas ao tratamento térmico em condições controladas de temperatura e atmosfera de nitrogênio. Os resultados obtidos mostram a ação do catalisador zeólita ZSM- 5 como modificador da estrutura polimérica já na etapa de processamento termomecânico do material. Os catalisadores proporcionam mudanças consideráveis nas propriedades das blendas PEBD/PP, de acordo com as condições em que os ensaios são realizados. O tratamento de resíduos poliméricos em presença de catalisadores apresenta potencial para a reciclagem de resíduos poliméricos podendo gerar materiais reciclados com propriedades melhoradas. / The challenge for the waste management generated by the production and consume of products has always followed the Humankind, showing as a problem for discard and destination. However, in the last years an aggravation of this problem has been verified due to the volume and diversity of the waste produced. Particularly, the polymeric waste has a great prominence due to the large amount in landfills and pollution caused in several ecosystems. The polymeric recycling is indicated as an alternative for the problem. The aims of this study had been the development of a method for the recycling of the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) that involves mechanical processing operations and thermal-chemical treatment of the material. For this reason, blends of LDPE waste and polypropylene (PP) containing until 30 wt% of PP has been prepared with incorporation of zeolite ZSM-5 and Ziegler-Natta catalyst and submitted to thermal treatment under controlled conditions of temperature and nitrogen flow. The results presents the action of zeolite catalyst as modifier of the polymeric structure during step of the thermomechanical processing of the material. The catalysts have caused considerable changes on the properties of LDPE/PP blends, according to the experimental conditions. The treatment of polymeric waste in presence of catalyst shows potential for the recycling of polymeric materials and can generate recycled materials with improved properties.