this post was submitted on 28 Nov 2024
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140
Scientists use microwave radiation to recover copper from old VVF power cables (www.pv-magazine.com)
submitted 3 weeks ago by ArtikBanana@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/technology@lemmy.world
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[โ€“] girsaysdoom@sh.itjust.works 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

That's the problem. If you're evaporating plastic then you're definitely releasing a multitude of chemicals; some of which would likely be harmful. Since this is to be performed in large quantities that could be a significant amount of pollution.

[โ€“] Akrenion 6 points 3 weeks ago

This was achieved without the generation or use of toxic chemicals. The researchers explain that during the pyrolysis, the PVC insulation underwent rapid dichlorination and carbonization, which prevented the formation of harmful byproducts such as tar, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dioxins.