SEM, AFM and CLSM microscopic techniques as tools for characterization of cellulose, polyaluminum and aluminum recovered from Tetra Pak packaging

Abstract

In this chapter, the characterization of the morphological features of sub-products of Tetra Pak packaging using SEM, AFM and CLSM microscopic techniques is presented. In a first step, the separation of the components of the Tetra Pak was done using hydropulping mechanical process; the principal obtained products include cellulose, aluminium and polyethylene+aluminum. The last one called Polyaluminum. After this, the morphological analysis was obtained. The results show that such microscopy techniques are adequate for describe the high degree of purity of the components after recycling.