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What is Reverse Polymerization?
Reverse Polymerization is the reduction of organic material through the application of microwave energy in an oxygen depleted (nitrogen-rich) atmosphere.
Microwave energy is absorbed by the organic material, causing rotation of inter-molecular bonds, leading to the generation and emission of narrow band infrared energy. The narrow band infrared energy is re-absorbed by surrounding material, increasing the amount of energy in the bonds until the bonds break. The breaking of the bonds results in the conversion of complex organic compounds into simpler compounds of lower molecular weight without undergoing oxidation.
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The Process
Reverse Polymerization involves the direct application of high-energy microwaves to organic waste to break down the materials into simpler chemical components. Microwave energy is used to excite and break molecular bonds. See the figure below for a process schematic. Reverse Polymerization is unique and can be differentiated for other processes based on three key characteristics:
- The microwaves are applied in a nitrogen-rich environment (oxygen depleted); therefore, oxidation of the waste does not occur.
- Reaction occurs at relatively low chamber temperatures of 150º C to 350º C, depending on the application.
- The process is highly controlled as the microwave energy is focused and the energy input is variable, allowing the desired amount of energy input per unit mass of waste to be applied.
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Oxidation of many organic wastes can lead to the formation of undesired by-products such as dioxins or furans. Less controlled reactions reduce the ability to set the composition and quality of the end-products which have implications for scrap tire recycling. Reverse Polymerization is not incineration, which is an oxidation process that occurs at higher temperatures.
Reverse Polymerization is not pyrolysis, which is generally conducted at higher temperatures and which heats from the outside in. Neither incineration nor pyrolysis can be precisely controlled in the same manner as Reverse Polymerization.
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