Abstract
This work is focused on the optimization of an innovative and cheap process for the valorization of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW), through its transformation into an odorless and environmentally compatible material to be employed for building applications or as a thermal and acoustic insulator. The process starts with the grinding of OFMSW, followed by its sterilization in order to obtain a complete removal of the bacterial activity. Afterwards, the incorporation in a catalysed thermosetting matrix is carried out by mixing the OFMSW to a water soluble urea formaldehyde based resin (UF), characterized by a formaldehyde content lower than 1% wt. The OFMSW/UF blends were firstly analysed by the dynamic rheological analyses, as a function of the content of a proper catalyst, that is able to decrease the curing temperature and time. Rheological analyses results allowed the selection of times and temperatures necessary for the polymerization (T = 60 °C, t = 1 h). The effect of the presence of different additives on both the cure process and the mechanical properties of the cured samples was finally analysed, evidencing that the OFMSW/UF composites possess improved mechanical properties in comparison to that of the neat resin.
Highlights
With the significant growth rate of the population in the last decades, the consequent increase of pollution and waste production are issues of great relevance
The possibility to re-use the waste in a sustainable way assumes a primary importance, in order to improve the efficiency of waste management and to reduce its negative effects on the environment and the population [1,2,3]
The OFMSW is made of unsorted food wastes collected according to the standard Italian regulation; in particular, the OFMSW was collected from a local restaurant, and apart from food wastes, it contains small amounts of different soft wastes, such as tissues or napkins
Summary
With the significant growth rate of the population in the last decades, the consequent increase of pollution and waste production are issues of great relevance. The evolution and diversification of the production processes caused a continuous change in the quantities and compositions of urban solid waste, generating several problems related to transport, storage, and disposal. The most troubled waste class to be treated is surely the organic fraction of the municipal solid waste (OFMSW), due to its high-water content, that causes a rapid degradation and bacterial proliferation during its storage [5,6]. OFMSW represents more than 40% by the weight of the municipal waste [7]
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