Abstract
In order to improve the quality of paper straws, experiments involving the hydrophobization of paper, in a silylation reaction with chloro(dimethyl)octadecylsilane using various solvents, were conducted. The ImageJ program was used to quantify hydrophobicity by calculating the contact angle between a water droplet and a small piece of paper, which were compared between treatment groups as well as with untreated paper and plastic straws. Samples were exposed to a variety of liquids in one-hour periods for a total of six hours. After each hour, contact angle measurements were taken. Results suggested that hydrophobicity declines with time due to leaching of silanol from the treated paper. Contact angles between water droplets and the treated paper remained larger than that of untreated paper straws throughout testing, indicating higher hydrophobicity. Furthermore, samples that were silylated using dioxane as a solvent were better able to maintain hydrophobicity than samples silylated using toluene as a solvent.
Highlights
In 2013, over 299 million tons of plastics were produced, with plastic consumption in more prosperous nations, such as those in Western Europe, exceeding 200 lb per person per year [1,2]
Results show a decline in contact angle in both DSS and TSS samples throughout the 6-hour testing period for all beverages being tested (Figure 6)
Contact angles for TSS samples declined much faster than DSS samples in every drink except for water, where angles remained approximately equal throughout the testing period
Summary
In 2013, over 299 million tons of plastics were produced, with plastic consumption in more prosperous nations, such as those in Western Europe, exceeding 200 lb per person per year [1,2]. As plastic waste accumulates on the planet, there has been a shift away from single-use plastic products towards sustainable alternatives. One notable case is the plastic straw and its paper-based replacement. Having a paper-based straw allows for the convenience of a single-use straw, while mitigating the harmful impact of plastic accumulation on animals and their ecosystems. Despite being a more environmentally friendly option, the substandard quality of current paper straw models makes them an unfeasible alternative for plastic straws. This investigation will explore a possible method for enhancing the hydrophobicity of paper in order to make it a more appealing and viable replacement for plastic straws
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
