This paper presents the contemporary problems of polymer waste recycling, mainly recycling cables from end-of-life vehicles. The authors developed a new material based on mixed polymer waste (ASR) modified with a ductile polymer, mainly recycled low-density polyethylene (rLDPE), to produce moisture-resistant boards with beneficial mechanical properties. The ASR-based compositions without and with homogenization process—including physical, chemical, and shear-assisted compatibilization—were successfully applied and verified by evaluating final recycled product properties. The results showed that recycled polyethylene (rLDPE) was effective as a modifier increasing tensile modulus and flexural strength compare to an ASR mixture. It was found that the adding 5 wt % of polyethylene-grafted maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) as a compatibilizer to the ASR mixture significantly increases the homogenization of the components in the ASR matrix. The optimal solution for management cable waste is the manufacture of ASR composites with homogenization using an internal mixer the adding 20 wt % of rLDPE and 5 wt % of PE-g-MAH to the mixed plastics cable waste. The results obtained demonstrate that the hot-pressing with the pre-blending with rLDPE and compatibilizer of the ASR based waste provides a high gain in mechanical and usage properties, enabling the circular economy of plastics from automotive cables.

The work presented here describes the first results of an effective method of assessing the quality of electrostatic separation of mixtures of polymer materials. The motivation for the research was to find an effective method of mechanical separation of plastic materials and a quick assessment of the effectiveness of the method itself. The proposed method is based on the application of a dedicated vision system developed for needs of research on electrostatic separation. The effectiveness of the elaborated system has been demonstrated by evaluating the quality of the separation of mixtures of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS). The obtained results show that the developed vision system can be successfully employed in the research on plastic separation, providing a fast and accurate method of assessing the purity and effectiveness of the separation process.

This paper presents the outcomes of investigations conducted on the development procedure of a personalized prosthetic device for an adult patient. The individualization is achieved through 3D scanning, followed by semi-automated design using the AutoMedPrint system, and low-cost fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology for 3D printing. The prosthesis is aimed for use during bicycle riding and other sport activities. During the conducted experiments outlined in this manuscript, the prosthesis is equipped with force and movement sensors. The purpose is to collect data on its functionality across different scenarios and dynamic activities, aiming to assess potential harm, refine the design, and serve as an initial step before activating the prosthesis end effector. This article describes the methodology in detail, including the process of designing, producing, and programming, as well as laboratory and field test results (including testing performed with and without a patient). Overall, the design and prototype are implemented successfully. A discussion about the need for particular improvements in both the mechanical and electrical areas is finally presented.

The aim of this study was to investigate and analyze the impact of selected parameters during the tribocharging process of shredded poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and high-density polyethylene (PE-HD) plastics on accumulated electric charge and electrostatic separation effectiveness. The accumulation of electric charge on surfaces of polymer particles as a result of their circular motion forced by the airflow cyclone container was investigated. The impact of the container material, time of tribocharging and the airflow intensity were experimentally examined. A container in which the particles of the considered polymers are electrified with opposite charges was selected. A high ability to accumulate surface charge on small particles of both polymers was demonstrated. The electrified mixed PET/PE-HD was subjected to a separation process. An electrostatic separator designed and constructed by the authors was used for to the separation. In turn, to assess the effectiveness of this separation, a dedicated vision system was used. Based on the result of the carried out tests, it has been assumed that the proposed approach’s effectiveness has been demonstrated by means of empirical validation.