Globally, more than 20 billion tons of waste glass are
produced
every year, which means that it has a considerable circular economic
value. However, waste glass contains complex ingredients, and the
surface often adheres to organic glue and labels, which, if improper
disposal, may produce a large number of toxic and harmful substances.
This paper presents a technique for removing and degrading organic
impurities on glass surfaces by ball milling with a limited velocity.
According to collision theory and the strength of materials, it was
calculated that the glass would not be broken by ball milling at 146
r/min. Due to mechanochemistry reactions of organic pollutants on
the surface, a large number of hydroxyl and ethylenic bond groups
were decomposed, producing harmless organic gases, such as propane
and ethyl acetate. The restricted mechanochemical energy would selectively
break the hydroxyl bond and C–C bond with a lower energy barrier.
The degradation rate of organic pollution on the surface of the waste
glass could reach 85. 4%, the integrity of the recycled glass was
not damaged, and the elastic modulus was reduced by 5.66%. The whole
glass still maintained good mechanical properties. This paper provides
an energy-saving and efficient method for waste glass to remove pollution,
reduce damage, and promote the recycling of waste glass.