Mineralization of fluoropolymers from combustion in a pilot plant under representative european municipal and hazardous waste combustor conditions
Hans‐Joachim Gehrmann, Taylor Philip, Krasimir Aleksandrov, Philipp Bergdolt, Andrei Bologa, David R. Blye, Priyank Dalal, Priyanga Gunasekar, Sven Herremanns, Deepak Kapoor, Meg Michell, Vanessa Nuredin, Michael Schlipf, Dieter Stapf
Abstract
The goal of this study was to provide data to support mineralization of fluoropolymer waste and insignificant generation of PFAS as products of incomplete combustion (PIC) during incineration of fluoropolymer applications at their end-of-life. Destruction efficiency is not an acceptable metric to indicate mineralization and therefore we need to look for and measure products of incomplete destruction. A mixed sample of fluoropolymers representing 80% of commercial fluoropolymers was combusted at conditions representative of municipal and industrial waste incinerators operating in EU. State-of-the-art emission sampling and analytical methods (UPLC-MS/MS, GC-MS) were used for identifying and quantifying those PFAS whose standards were available. Statistical analysis of the results confirmed non-detect to negligible levels of PFAS evidencing mineralization of fluoropolymers. • R2PIC >99.99% demonstrated mineralization of fluoropolymers via incineration. • Testing conducted under municipal & hazardous waste incineration conditions. • PFAS, including TFA, were measured at three locations, plus wastewater & residues. • Only PFOA detected in stack gases (0.20 ng/m³) slightly above the LOQ (0.09 ng/m³). • External contamination is the likely source of the PFOA detection.