Plastic Compounds Research Articles

Influence of end-of-life allocation, credits and other methodological issues in LCA of compounds: An in-company circular economy case study on packaging

The aim of this article is to present a circular economy case study and investigate and discuss effects of end-of-life (EoL) allocation and crediting strategies on the results of this case study. In the case study, replacement of eucalyptus wood sheets, which are used to separate loaded pallets to prevent damaging each other during top storage in the company, by plastic compound alternatives composed of virgin PP, recycled PP and mineral fillers, is studied. When their life time is over, plastic compound sheets are sent to be recycled in the recycling facilities of the company. While performing this comparative LCA, a methodological discussion on how to credit the system in open-loop (OL) and close-loop (CL) recycling is performed. The use of Q factors (quality factors), instead of 1:1 substitution of virgin materials by recycled ones, is recommended and how to define these Q factors is discussed. The use of Q factors based on the mechanical properties of virgin and recycled materials, which is flexural modulus in this case, is recommended. Finally, a formula for the calculation of the Q factor of the compound material leaving the CL recycling after several recycling cycles, is proposed. Results show that, for this case study, plastic compound sheets are environmentally better alternative than eucalyptus wood sheets for most of the environmental impact categories evaluated due to the following reasons: higher number of uses, lower weight, use of recycled PP and mineral fillers, and longer lifetime. However, in two impact categories (resource depletion water and resource depletion mineral, fossils and renewables) eucalyptus wood sheets are found to have slightly better results. For the rest of the impact categories, the difference in the results are so high that different crediting methods do not affect the results in this case; however, they may in others. Among the scenarios evaluated OL recycling with market mix substitution is found to provide the highest impacts.

ANALISIS KANDUNGAN PLASTIK PADA GORENGAN DI KAWASAN PERGURUAN TINGGI KOTA PADANG

Nowadays, there are many foods that contain harmful substances in the community. Among them are fried foods that contain plastic. Similar cases were also found in the campus area in city of Padang. Based on preliminary observations it was found that some fried foods sold in one campus area in the city of Padang were indicated to contain plastic. This study therefore aims to determine whether fried foods sold in the city of Padang contained plastic, what the physical characteristics of fried foods that contain plastic were, and what plastic content contained in the cooking oil. This type of research was descriptive qualitative. Sampling in this study was conducted by purposive sampling in 16 locations around the campus area in the city of Padang. The data of the research data were obtained from physical and chemical sample identifications. Physical identification included data on shape, color, fragility, and fuel test. Physically indicated samples containing plastic then analyzed chemically with GC-MS. The results of the study showed that the physical characteristics of fried foods that contain plastic were black clots when observed with a microscope, there are white patches on the surface of the fried, brittle for hours, and if it was burned, it burnt and produced melt. The results of the chemical analysis showed that from 16 sampling points 11 samples (68.75%) positive contained plastic. The type of plastic compound found was from PVC (Polyvinyl chloride).

Structural characterization of potential endocrine disrupting activity of alternate plasticizers di-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) and 2,2,4-trimethyl 1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate (TPIB) with human sex hormone-binding globulin

Plasticizers are chemical compounds used to increase the softness and fluidity of polymer materials. Phthalate compounds constitute the most common class of compounds used as plasticizers. However, phthalate plasticizers, especially the predominant di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, have been shown to have adverse effects on environment and human health. Hence, efforts have been made to use safer and environmentally friendly alternate non-phthalate plasticizers in industrial applications. The present study involves structural binding studies on endocrine disrupting potential of three high volume alternate plasticizer compounds, i.e., di-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) and 2,2,4-trimethyl 1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate (TPIB) with sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). This study showed that DEHA, ATBC and TPIB bind in the ligand binding pocket of SHBG and the structural binding results suggested that the three alternate plasticizers may interfere in the steroid binding of SHBG and thus may cause dysfunction in sex steroid homeostasis.

Dynamic analysis of lead stocks and flows in China from 1990 to 2015

Lead is the only toxic metal still in heavy use, and it is used in lead-acid batteries, alloys, and compounds in glass and plastics. This study illustrates the evolution of lead metabolism in China from 1990 to 2015 by applying substance flow analysis (SFA). Lead production and consumption in China increased by 11% and 12% per year in China, respectively. Lead in-use stocks increased from 0.78 to 12.2 Mt, and lead in-use stocks per capita increased from 0.69 to 8.86 kg/capita. Meanwhile, China experienced a rapid growth in lead losses with the explosion of lead metabolism. More than 94% of lead losses were leaded wastes such as dissipated leaded products, waste ores, tailings, and smelting slags. In addition, lead stocks in lead scraps also reached 3.6 Mt. The current lead in-use stocks and lead scraps can provide a huge amount of lead resources for China in the future. However, the rise of new battery technologies and the generalization of lead-free action are denting demand for lead. China should shift lead supplies from primary lead to secondary lead and strictly control lead pollution within the life-cycle of lead resources.

Assessment of Hazardous Substances in Electrical Cables: Implementation of RoHS Regulations in India

Abstract Globally, the use of plastics in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and home appliances as alternatives to aluminum and steel has been increased rapidly. As a result, the sustainable recycling of plastics in the Indian informal sector has been complicated by hazardous additive substances. In plastics, lead and cadmium compounds are mainly applied as pigments and stabilizing agents. As per the directive of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), for all homogenous materials in the manufacture of various types of EEE, the application of lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is restricted to a maximum level of 1,000 μg/g and especially cadmium to a maximum level of 100 μg/g. In the present work, five electrical cables of various colors and gauges, available in the local market (Hyderabad, India), were chosen for a case study. As per the norms of IEC62321, Electrotechnical Products—Determination of Six Regulated Substances (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Hexavalent Chromium, Polybrominated Biphenlys, Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers), the prescreening using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer showed the presence of lead only in all cables against the six restricted substances with variable concentrations with color as well as thickness. The maximum lead content observed was ∼31,000 μg/g in black cables with a 2.5-mm2 thickness. The measured lead content using EDXRF spectrometry has cross-checked with other well-established analytical techniques: Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the results were found to be comparable. The spiking studies of lead showed that the obtained results by EDXRF spectrometry were within the acceptable range (accuracy limit of 100 ± 20 %). From the results obtained, it is concluded that the content of lead tested in all the electrical cables selected was more than 1,000 μg/g and hence found to be noncompliant as per RoHS regulation.

Functionalized Compounds for Micro‐Injection Molded Piezo Modules (μIMP‐Modules) and Their Electrical Contacting

Multi‐component micro‐injection molding enables the manufacturing of active elements as well as electrical contacting in situ and in a single process by using piezo active and electroconductive plastic compounds. Each compound is functionalized with filler materials according to its special demands. To this end, polypropylene (PP) with an electromechanical active filler based on piezoceramic powder (PZT: Lead zirconate titanate) for sensor functionality as well as PP with electroconductive properties based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon black (CB) for electrical contacting are investigated. Therefore, different compound compositions are analyzed with regard to their mechanical and electrical properties as well as their mechanical compatibility. For the analyses, micro injection molded samples of the different compounds are used. Furthermore, investigations on composite strength are conducted by measuring interlaminar shear strength between the functionalized compounds. Based on the material characterization, a simulation of the thermomechanical behavior is done and the process‐related residual stresses are analyzed. To achieve the prerequisites for fabricating sensor modules in mass production, the functionalized compounds should be processed by means of the two‐component micro‐injection molding technology. According to this, the objective target is a large‐scale integration of these piezo modules into multifunctional lightweight structures. Therefore, the modules are combined with electrically functionalized textile substrates creating semi‐finished products with sensor functionalities. The mechanical and electrical connections are created by ultrasonic welding. Applying this technology requires a manufacturing study with varying process parameters of joining force, amplitude and welding time with the aim of achieving minimal electrical contact resistance.

The Action of Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) in Mouse Cerebral Cells Involves an Impairment in Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) Signaling

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is used as a plasticizer in various plastic compounds, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and products including baby toys, packaging films and sheets, medical tubing, and blood storage bags. Epidemiological data suggest that phthalates increase the risk of the nervous system disorders; however, the impact of DEHP on the brain cells and the mechanisms of its action have not been clarified. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of DEHP on production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), as well as Cyp1a1 and Cyp1b1 mRNA and protein expression in primary mouse cortical neurons and glial cells in the in vitro mono-cultures. Our experiments showed that DEHP stimulated ROS production in both types of mouse neocortical cells. Moreover, the results strongly support involvement of the AhR/Cyp1A1 signaling pathway in the action of DEHP in neurons and glial cells. However, the effects of DEHP acting on the AhR signaling pathways in these two types of neocortical cells were different. In neurons, AhR mRNA expression did not change, but AhR protein expression decreased in response to DEHP. A similar trend was observed for Cyp1a1 and Cyp1b1 mRNA and protein expression. Failure to induce Cyp1a1 in neurons was confirmed by EROD assay. In primary glial cells, a decrease in AhR protein level was accompanied by a decrease in AhR mRNA expression. In glial cells, mRNA and protein expression of Cyp1a1 as well as Cyp1a1-related EROD activity were significantly increased. As for Cyp1b1, both in neurons and glial cells Cyp1b1 mRNA expression did not significantly change, whereas Cyp1b1 protein level were decreased. We postulate that developmental exposure to DEHP which dysregulates AhR/Cyp1a1 may disrupt defense processes in brain neocortical cells that could increase their susceptibility to environmental toxins.

Germany: Albis – plastic compounds

Germany: Albis – plastic compounds

Magnetic frame work composite as an efficient sorbent for magnetic solid-phase extraction of plasticizer compounds

Two metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) TMU-23 and TMU-24, containing amide-functionalized pores, have been fabricated. Their applications were evaluated for the magnetic solid phase extraction of plasticizer compounds benzylbutylphthalate (BBP), di-2-(ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) prior to analysis by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Due to the large surface area and unique porous structure of the MOFs as well as hydrogen bonding formation, π-π and hydrophobic interactions between the analytes and the MOF ligands, the prepared sorbents showed a high affinity towards the target analytes. The studies reveal that TMU-24 has a better adsorption capability than TMU-23. A magnetic TMU-24 was then fabricated by in-situ synthesis of a magnetic core-shell nanocomposite. The material was chosen as an efficient sorbent for the extraction of the target analytes, followed by their determination by GC-FID. Under optimal conditions, preconcentration factors and relative recoveries of the studied compounds were obtained in the range of 189–278 and 92.0–102.0% respectively. The calibration curves were obtained in the range of 0.5–250 μg L−1 with reasonable linearity (R2 >0.99) and the limits of detection (LODs) ranged between 0.2 and 0.4 μg L−1 (based on S/N = 3). The precision of the method, expressed as relative standard deviation for extraction and determination of the 100 μg L−1 analytes in the samples solution was in the range of 3.9–5.9%.

China: Americhem – plastic compounds

The study develops an empirical taxonomy of manufacturing back-shoring initiatives to the US, based on the drivers the location decision. Results identify six patterns of back-shoring, which highlight the importance of concurrently considering different theoretical lenses to interpret the phenomenon. Back-shoring initiatives are significantly driven by non-price related costs, which include the costs of governance. Institutional pressures coming from customers demanding country-of-origin branding and from political bodies are also important drivers, while the exploitation of distinctive resources that allow firms to compete in high-segment markets is less relevant. The study also highlights that back-shoring patterns are significantly related to within-border location advantages, such as state-level median wages, productivity, and innovation capacity.

Innovative Composites Based on Organic Modified Zirconium Phosphate and PEOT/PBT Copolymer

Polymers are key building blocks in the development of smart materials for biomedical applications, and many polymers offer unique properties for specific applications. A wide range of materials is available through the use of polymer compounds. These compounds can incorporate performance-enhancing fillers, which provide properties not reachable with ordinary neat polymers (e.g., bending stiffness, tensile strength, elongation, torque, biological activity such as antimicrobial properties, cell differentiation). In this work, the preparation of functional biocomposites containing organic modified zirconium phosphate (ZrP) as drug carrier is presented. The composites were prepared by melt compounding, which offers significant promise since it allows an easy customization of the plastic compounds that well suit biomedical applications (devices, long-term implantable polymers, bioresorbable polymers). The obtained polymer composites based on ZrP intercalated with gentamicin (GMT) and poly(ethylene oxide terephthalate)/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PEOT/PBT) were characterized.

Monitoring of Injection Molding Tool Corrosion and Effects of Wood Plastic Compound's Moisture on Material Properties

Abstract Before injection molding, wood polymer composites (WPC) normally have to be dried to achieve optimal quality of the injected parts as well as to avoid corrosion of the mold. Based on a literature study, there are currently no published investigations dealing with the dependency of WPC properties on the initial moisture content of the compound's pellets. Further, it is known that water and wood in combination with high temperatures can lead to corrosion of steel parts, but a systematic analysis of the impact of WPC injection molding on tool corrosion has not been found in the literature. For the present study, a compound with 68 wt% (weight percent) polypropylene, 30 wt% wood flour and 2 wt% coupling agent was produced and tested in injection molding trials. Specimens according to ISO 527-2 were produced from WPC with defined moisture contents, respectively. Compound moisture, already at very low contents, had significant negative effects on the tested mechanical properties, namely tensile modulus and strength, unnotched and notched Charpy impact strength and heat deflection temperature. Corrosion trials were performed for different tool steel qualities. The severity of corrosion correlates with the amount of chromium (Cr) in the alloys tested.

Mexico: Techmer – plastic compounds & colorants

Mexico: Techmer – plastic compounds & colorants

Reuse of Tires Textile Fibers in Plastic Compounds: Is this Scenario Environmentally Sustainable?

Even if specific directives have been issued to regulate the management of End of Life Tires (ELT), several materials are still not properly recovered. This is the case of textile fibers obtained from the treatment of ELTs. This study aims to investigate and quantify the environmental impacts related to the reuse of tires textile fibers as second-life material for the preparation of plastic compounds. The Life Cycle Assessment methodology has been used to compare the baseline scenarios (landfilling and incineration) with the reuse scenarios. Results obtained confirms that reuse scenarios are generally more environmental sustainable than the currently implemented strategies.

МАТЕМАТИЧЕСКИЕ МОДЕЛИ НЕЛИНЕЙНОЙ ВЯЗКОУПРУГОСТИ С ОПЕРАТОРАМИ ДРОБНОГО ИНТЕГРО-ДИФФЕРЕНЦИРОВАНИЯ

Based on the method of structural modelling and the Boltzmann-Volterra hypothesis of the hereditary elasticity deformable solid, the article considers linear and nonlinear fractional analogues of classical rheological models, such as Newton (the so-called model of Scott Blair), Voigt, Maxwell, Kelvin and Zener using the tool of fractional integro-differentiation of Riemann Liouville. The classes of nonlinear mathematical models are distinguished, for which the solution of the creep problem can be obtained explicitly in terms of known special functions. A technique for identifying the parameters of the proposed mathematical models is developed on the basis of known experimental data on uniaxial stretching of samples at different and constant load levels. In the presence of explicit solutions to the creep problem, the parameters of mathematical models are determined from the solution of the problem of approximating the experimental values of deformation using the method of least squares with subsequent refinement by the coordinate-wise descent method at all time points for all stress values in a series of experiments. For nonlinear mathematical models of viscoelastic deformation, which do not allow to find the solution of the creep problem in an explicit form, a method for determining the model parameters based on the coordinate-wise descent method with inversion at each step to the numerical solution of the defining integral equation has been developed. The method of identifying model parameters with operators of fractional integro-differentiation is realized on the example of creep of polyvinylchloride plastic compound. The values of the parameters for all the models studied are given, their adequacy to the experimental data is checked, and errors in the deviation of the calculated data from the experimental values are analyzed. As an example, a comparative analysis of the relative error in approximating the experimental creep curves by theoretical deformation values is made in the framework of a linear, nonlinear integrable and nonlinear nonintegrable fractional analog of the Kelvin model. The article oulines the appropriateness of using the viscoelastic deformation models with the operators of fractional integro-differentiation, based on the comparison of calculations of the considered models with the calculations of the viscoelasticity models having integral operators of integro-differentiation.

Surfing and dining on the “plastisphere”: Microbial life on plastic marine debris

Plastic marine debris represents a global threat for the marine environment, having serious consequences for the ocean, the wildlife and the human health. While the plastics distribution, fate, persistence and toxicity mechanisms for the marine fauna have been more studied in the last decade, small efforts have been devoted to identify and characterize marine microbes that colonize plastic and microplastic debris in the ocean, and their potential to degrade plastics. Here we review the knowledge on the microbial biodiversity and degradation mechanisms of marine plastic debris, and present data, based on metagenomic analyses, on the distribution patterns of genes potentially involved in microbially-mediated plastic degradation in coastal locations across the global ocean. Most studies on plastic-colonizing microbes have focused on seawater rather than sediment, with most studies underlining striking differences in composition between assemblages attached to plastic particles and those in the surrounding environment. The diversity of microbes attached to plastic is high, and the core epiplastic microbial assemblages include often hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, as well as prokaryotic and eukaryotic phototrophs. Several marine microbes have shown to be able to degrade or deteriorate plastic in the laboratory, or to grow on plastic as the only source of carbon, while indirect evidences suggest that microbially-mediated degradation of recalcitrant plastics also occur in the ocean, though at very low rates. Metagenomic analyses show that plastic degradation-related genes are present in microbial assemblages in several coastal ocean sites, with relative abundance related to the magnitude of plastic pollution at each site. Further research is required to study microbial plastic-degraders in the marine ecosystem, to decipher and exploit the potential of microbial consortia to degrade or mineralize plastic compounds, and to better understand the fate and residence times of plastic waste in the ocean.

Malaysia: DIC Compounds – plastics colorants & compounds

There is no shortage of normative models describing how human resource management (HRM) should integrate with corporate social responsibility (CSR), however actual evidence of this engagement is rare. So what prompts human resource (HR) professionals to engage with a CSR agenda? Using a sensemaking lens this study addresses this question by examining how HR professionals employed in organizations with a publicly espoused CSR mandate make sense of this agenda and glean understanding about the meaning-creation processes surrounding enactment. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with HR professionals employed in New Zealand and Australian organizations. Findings show that HR professionals draw on CSR-related organizational and social cues to make sense of integration, with their professional identity influencing approaches to operationalization. Evidence is also found to suggest levels and modes of CSR engagement are shaped by situational cues as well as the personal characteristics of HR professionals themselves.

Training in Flap Harvesting using Corrosion Casted Pig Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flaps Choosing the Optimal Plastic Compound for Corrosion Casting

Plastic compounds have been used for several decades to generate anatomical constructs for the training of new surgeons and medical students alike. The present study seeks to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of two different plastic compounds (Technovit 7143 and Epoxi BIODURÒE12) used to create corrosion casts of the vascular branching patterns in free muscle flaps. Porcine latissimus dorsi muscle free flaps were used in this study to create corrosion casts of their vascular branching tree by injecting the two different plastic compound into the main arterial supply. The casts generated by Epoxy BIODURÒ E12 have superior qualities compared to the casts injected with Technovit 7143, because the injection process is smoother at all branching levels, without dilation, strictures or intramuscular extravasation of the injectable plastic compound. The corrosion casts resulted from injecting Epoxy BIODURÒ E12 exhibit better elasticity and better resistance to mechanical handling compared to the ones injected with Technovit 7143.

US: Compounding Solutions – plastic masterbatch & compounds

US: Compounding Solutions – plastic masterbatch & compounds

US: Clariant – Mevopur plastic compounds for medical applications

To evaluate the effectiveness of a health education programme on knowledge and reduction of the risk factors for bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.An experimental study control group without intervention was performed with 60 subjects who had started treatment with bisphosphonates in the University Hospital of León from October to December 2014. Patients in the experimental group received a structured education intervention in two sessions. The data was collected from a heteroadministered questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the study period for both groups.The educational intervention designed showed a significantly increased adherence to healthy behaviours related to oral hygiene such as mechanical control of plaque and the use of clorhexidine prior to invasive oral procedures. All subjects reported that they had not been advised to maintain a good level of oral health before starting treatment. After the intervention high percentages of recognition of early diagnostic measures starting from a baseline total ignorance of them were determined. No conclusive information about the use of removable dental prostheses, toxic habits or maintaining proper metabolic control in patients with diabetes mellitus was observed.Improving adherence to healthy behaviours related to oral health following the intervention, as well as their contribution to the early identification of warning signs of jaw osteonecrosis, stresses the importance of the use of health education as a tool in routine clinical practice.Evaluar la efectividad de un programa de educación para la salud sobre el conocimiento y modificación de los factores de riesgo de aparición de osteonecrosis maxilar en pacientes tratados con bisfosfonatos.Estudio experimental del tipo «grupo control sin intervención», con 60 pacientes que iniciaron tratamiento con bisfosfonatos en el Hospital Universitario de León de octubre a diciembre de 2014. Los pacientes pertenecientes al grupo experimental recibieron una intervención educativa estructurada en dos sesiones. La recogida de datos se llevó a cabo mediante un cuestionario heteroadministrado, al inicio y al final del período de estudio, para ambos grupos.La intervención educativa diseñada mejoró significativamente la práctica de medidas básicas de higiene oral, como el control mecánico de la placa y el uso de clorhexidina previa a procedimientos orales invasivos. Ningún paciente declaró haber sido advertido de la necesidad de poner su boca en salud antes del inicio del tratamiento. Tras la intervención se determinan porcentajes elevados de reconocimiento de medidas de diagnóstico precoz partiendo de una situación basal de desconocimiento total de las mismas. No resultaron concluyentes los datos recogidos sobre el uso de prótesis dental, hábitos tóxicos o control metabólico en pacientes con diabetes mellitus.La mejora de la adhesión a conductas saludables relacionadas con la salud bucodental tras la intervención educativa, así como su contribución a la identificación precoz de los signos de alarma de osteonecrosis maxilar, remarca la importancia del empleo de la educación para la salud como herramienta en la práctica clínica habitual.