Direct Transformation of Metallized Paper into Al-Si Nano-Rod and Al Nano-Particles Using Thermal Micronizing Technique

Zahra Shahrbabaki,Rumana Hossain,Narjes Gorjizadeh,Vaibhav Gaikwad,Veena Sahajwalla,Mohammad Ghasemian,Farshid Pahlevani

doi:10.3390/ma11101964

Zahra Shahrbabaki, Rumana Hossain + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11101964

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Abstract

The abundant application of metallized paper and the quick growth of their wastes lead to the removal of a huge amount of valuable resources from economic cycle. In this work, for the first-time, the thermal micronizing technique has been used to directly transform the metallized paper wastes to Al-Si nano-rod and Al nano-particles for use as the input in different manufacturing sectors such as additive manufacturing or composite fabrication. Structure of metallized paper has been investigated using FT-IR analysis and first-principle plane-wave calculation. Then, based on the structure of metallized paper, thermal micronizing technique has been modified to directly transform this waste into nano materials. Structure of nano-particles and nano-rods has been investigated using SEM, TEM, and XPS analysis. Results showed two main Al-Si nano-rod and Al nano-particle morphologies created as a result of the different surface tensions, which facilitate their separation by Eddy current separation technique. These quick transformation and facile separation together make this technique a unique process to deal with this complex waste and producing value-added products which can re-capture these high value materials from waste and make the reforming economically viable.

Highlights

Metallised papers are substrates coated with a glossy aluminium layer which offer decorative and protective properties in different applications [1]
A horizontal tube furnace, LABEC, Sydney, Australia was used for thermal micronizing process
A mixture of different types of metallized papers from local waste collection points were used as representative of actual metallised papers in landfills

Summary

Introduction

Metallised papers are substrates coated with a glossy aluminium layer which offer decorative and protective properties in different applications [1]. Metallised paper largely found their way to industries owing to their exceptional properties including excellent label ability, fast ink drying, high-speed labelling, sufficient transfer and release time, permanence of printing, resistance to alcohol, odour, lightness, etc. Metallised papers can be found in chocolate wrappers, food products packaging, tobacco boxes, cigarette boxes, and decoration [3]. The majority of metallised papers are consumed for labelling, in products identification and decoration of drinks bottles and cigarette wraps. In contrast to North America and Europe, there is a growing interest in metallised paper in South America, while this trend has remained at a high level in India and Asia Pacific. By increasing the price of aluminium and social and economic expenses of dealing with waste there is a growing demand for dealing with these wastes [4]

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