Development of a smart technique in plastic identification independent of the components dimensions

Using an ultrasound attenuation technique and fuzzy rule-based system analysis, an intelligent technique is developed to produce a signature independent of component dimensions for a range of different polymers (plastics) such as PET, PE, PS, etc. The technique can be employed in recycling process to sort different polymeric materials in a relatively fast response time and in an automated/semi-automated system. The early study indicates that the method is a powerful tool for the identification of components of complex shape where access to all surfaces may be restricted.