University Researching Recycling of LCDs

Scientists at the University of York, a British University, are involved in research aimed at resolving the problem with discarded liquid crystal displays. LCDs are included in calculators, cell phones and television sets. However, LCDs contain potentially hazardous materials.

However, research initiative provides a real opportunity to harness the world class expertise that we possess in the UK and direct it towards the task of wealth creation"

Now scientists in the Department of Chemistry at the University of York have won a major DTI competition to investigate ways of extracting and recycling liquid crystals from waste LCD devices. They are part of a consortium of nine partners and supported by the Resource Efficiency Knowledge Transfer Network and the Displays and Lighting Knowledge Transfer Network. The DTI will fund 50 percent of a total bid worth £1.7 million.

LCD screens are usually composed of two glass sheets, between which, a thin film of viscous liquid crystal material is deposited. The material is a mixture of anywhere between 15 to 20 different compounds. EU legislation now prevents disposal of electronic materials in landfill.

Dr Avtar Matharu, of the Department of Chemistry at York, said: "The amount LCD waste is increasing at an alarming rate and, with disposal in landfill or incineration no longer acceptable, new solutions were needed. We have developed a technology that offers a clean, efficient way to recover the mixture of liquid crystals from waste LCD devices. Once recovered, the liquid crystal mixture will be recycled in to different LCDs or the mixture will be separated into individual components for re-sale."