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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Real-Time Imaging of Bonding in 3D-Printed Layers

Real-Time Imaging of Bonding in 3D-Printed Layers

Published on: September 1, 2023

Three-dimensional transient thermal barcode for waste plastic identification.

Kunal Singh¹, Thomas Thundat², Amit Goyal³

¹Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE), School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.

Communications Engineering

|June 6, 2026

Summary

A new standoff Transient Thermal Barcode (TTB) technique rapidly identifies plastics using mid-infrared absorption-induced thermal signatures. This method enables unique identification of major plastic classes for automated waste sorting in recycling.

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The Effect of Construction and Demolition Waste Plastic Fractions on Wood-Polymer Composite Properties

The Effect of Construction and Demolition Waste Plastic Fractions on Wood-Polymer Composite Properties

Published on: June 7, 2020

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Analytical Chemistry
Environmental Science

Background:

Global plastic recycling rates remain low due to limitations in current waste sorting technologies.
Accurate, rapid, and scalable methods are essential for improving plastic waste management and recycling efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and validate a novel non-contact technique for identifying different plastic types in waste streams.
To demonstrate the potential of this technique for automated sorting applications in the recycling industry.

Main Methods:

A standoff Transient Thermal Barcode (TTB) technique was employed, utilizing mid-infrared (IR) spectroscopy.
Plastics were identified by their unique thermal signatures generated upon absorption of mid-IR irradiation.
A thermal camera recorded localized heating (hotspots) resulting from non-radiative decay.

Main Results:

The TTB technique generated thermal spectra that closely correlated with conventional Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra.
A specific set of six mid-IR wavelengths produced distinct thermal barcodes.
All six major commercial plastic classes were uniquely identified in mixed waste samples.

Conclusions:

The TTB technique offers a promising non-contact method for plastic identification based on molecular fingerprinting.
This technology has significant potential for enhancing automated sorting systems in plastic recycling facilities.
Further development could lead to more efficient and effective plastic waste management solutions.