Polymer sorting through fluorescence spectra

Abstract

This study identifies different polymers using their fluorescent data under various light wavelengths that ranged from 245 nm to 345 nm in 10 nm intervals. The primary goal of the proposed method is to select optimal wavelengths that can lead to the accurate identification of six polymers: polyamide 6 (PA6), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). By examining the specific fluorescence emission patterns of these polymers, the study provides insight into how each material responds uniquely to different excitation light sources. The potential approach could streamline polymer identification in recycling applications or even in quality control and environmental monitoring, including microplastics. This approach could lead to improved accuracy in polymer classification, contributing to more efficient material sorting and processing.