Toward the Estimation of Liquid Crystal Display Materials for Waste Management and Other Assessments

A review of the materials used in liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors is followed by the development of a parametric model for the quantification of material masses from waste monitors. The model uses diagonal length as an input which is first translated into a range of screen areas using viewing area aspect ratios. Next, the model divides LCD monitor components into those that are scaled by the screen area and those that are not, and estimates the masses of materials based on when components are removed in a materials recovery facility. Model results are presented as the coefficients of linear functions which allow specific material quantities to be estimated for each diagonal length. Overall the screen area LCD material estimation model results compare well with the published data in terms of both unit masses and individual material masses. The model is applied in an example characterization of material stream purity and suggested for use in materials flow analysis, life cycle assessment and in the quantification of the materials management needs of a certain recycler or in a certain region or country.