Grantee Research Project Results
Office Paper De-Copying
EPA Contract Number: 68D98120Title: Office Paper De-Copying
Investigators: Bhatia, Sushil
Small Business: Imagex Technologies Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1998 through March 1, 1999
Project Amount: $69,950
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1998) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Pollution Prevention , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
Xerographic waste paper (paper derived from laser printers and photocopying machines) is difficult to deink. Consequently, paper recycling mills rarely utilize it. It constitutes 24% by weight and 40% by volume of all domestic and industrial waste in the United States.Toner used for laser printing and photocopying is composed of carbon black and resins, which are cross-linked thermoplastic polymers. Under heat, they fuse into paper rendering deinking difficult. Research has focused on developing chemical formulations that can dissolve toner and designing better repulping plants.
This project aims at developing such formulations as well as a machine to recycle office waste paper in offices, the OFFICE PAPER DECOPIER (OPD). The basic operations of wetting, de-inking, and drying the paper to re-copying quality have been demonstrated. Phase I will improve and quantify these operations and advance the OPD design for economic projections.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, pollution prevention, recycling, engineering, chemistry, EPA., Sustainable Industry/Business, Scientific Discipline, Economic, Social, & Behavioral Science Research Program, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Economics & Decision Making, Engineering, Chemistry, cleaner production/pollution prevention, New/Innovative technologies, economic benefits, pollution prevention, recycling, in-process recycling, innovative technologies, De-copying, innovative technologyProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.