Different Types Of Plastics Research Articles

Systemic Analysis of Supermarket Solid Waste Generation in Mexicali, Mexico

The common practice of managing solid waste (SW) generated by supermarkets in Mexicali, Mexico, consists of mix-ing all kinds of SW without any separation process. The concern of these actions is that does not involve some of these products to be reused or sold for recycling. The company ceases to receive an income of $ 3,881 Mexican pesos as an additional benefit by the generation of approximately 5,869 kg of SW than can be recovered in only one of its eleven branches in the city. However, the only two products that are valued by the supermarkets are wax boxes for fruits and vegetables which are sold to a company that subsequently resell them to fruit shops for reuse, and the cardboard boxes, whose weekly generation in one branch is 5,375 kg. They are separated from the waxed boxes and placed in a compactor to form bales from 300 to 400 kg each and then are collected for sale to a recycling company. As for the generation of different types of plastics that can be recycled, a branch generates weekly 339 kg. The model to simulate the generation of SW in supermarkets was performed using “system dynamics” as a tool for modeling and simulation in order to make better decisions to reduce generation of waste.

FTIR spectra of plasticized high molecular weight PVC–LiCF3SO3 electrolytes

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies have been conducted to investigate the interaction among components in a system of high molecular weight polyvinylchloride (PVC)–lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF3SO3) incorporated with different type of plasticizers, namely, ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), and dibutylphthalate (DBP). Interaction between PVC and LiCF3SO3 was confirmed by C–H rocking mode at 1,255 cm−1 for PVC shift to 1,252 cm−1 in PVC–LiCF3SO3. The plasticizers’ carbonyl (C=O) oxygen atom which carries lone pair electrons interact with Li+ of LiCF3SO3 and methine hydrogen of PVC in LiCF3SO3–plasticizer system and PVC–plasticizer system, respectively. Changes in peaks assigned to 1,264 cm−1 (νas(SO3)), 1,033 cm−1 (νs(SO3)), 1,181 cm−1 (νas(CF3)), 1,230 cm−1 (νs(CF3)), 765 cm−1 (δs(CF3)), 644 cm−1 (δs(SO3)), 578 cm−1 (δas(CF3)), and 519 cm−1 (δas(SO3)) indicate the occurrence of complexation in the PVC–LiCF3SO3 system, LiCF3SO3–plasticizer system, and PVC–LiCF3SO3–plasticizer system.

Mass Manufacturable 180$^{\circ}$-Bend Single-Mode Fiber Socket Using Hole-Assisted Low Bending Loss Fiber

High-efficiency low-cost field-installable 180deg-bend single-mode fiber (SMF) sockets are promising new fiber connector components that can facilitate network element footprint reduction and allow for more comfortable connector handling in the field. We present a novel type of small-form-factor 180deg coupling SMF socket component, yielding coupling losses between two side-by-side positioned fibers as low as 0.5 dB, making use of specially designed low bending loss hole-assisted fiber. The components are prototyped in a polymer using deep proton writing and show all the potentialities for low-cost fabrication in different types of plastics.

Correlating cement characteristics with rheology of paste

The influence of cement characteristics such as cement fineness and clinker composition on the “flow resistance” measured as the area under the shear stress–shear rate flow curve has been investigated. Three different types of plasticizers namely naphthalene sulphonate-formaldehyde condensate, polyether grafted polyacrylate, and lignosulphonate have been tested in this context on 6 different cements. The flow resistance correlated well with the cement characteristic (Blaine·{ d·cC 3A + [1 − d]·C 3S}) where the factor d represents relative reactivity of cubic C 3A and C 3S while cC 3A and C 3S represent the content of these minerals. It was found to be either a linear or exponential function of the combined cement characteristic depending on plasticizer type and dosage. The correlation was valid for a mix of pure cement and cement with fly ash, limestone filler (4%), as well as pastes with constant silica fume dosage, when the mineral contents were determined by Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffractograms.

X-ray versus gamma irradiation effects on polymers

Today, the most common methods used for medical device sterilisation are by gaseous ethylene oxide and by electron beam or gamma irradiation. With X-ray sterilisation about to enter the market, its material compatibility needs to be assessed at doses typically encountered during a sterilisation process. This paper reports on a study that compares the effects of exposing different types of plastics that are commonly used in medical devices to 60Co or to 5 MeV X-rays. The dose rate for both irradiation modalities was of the same order of magnitude. Under these conditions, both types of radiation are found to have similar effects on polymer properties.

Determining biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled and natural composting environments

With the advent of recently promulgated Government regulations on plastics in Mauritius, a study was initiated to examine the biodegradability of two different types of plastic, namely Willow Ridge Plastics – PDQ-H additive (Plastic A) and Ecosafe Plastic – TDPA additive (Plastic B) under controlled and natural composting environments. The results obtained from the controlled composting environment showed that the cumulative carbon dioxide evolution for Plastic A was much higher than that for Plastic B. Plastic A therefore showed a higher level of biodegradation in terms of CO 2 evolution than Plastic B. However, from the regression analysis, it was found that the level of CO 2 varying with time fitted the sigmoid type curves with very high correlation coefficients ( R 2 values: 0.9928, 0.9921 and 0.9816, for reference material, inoculum and Plastic A, respectively). The corresponding F-values obtained from the ANOVA analysis together with significance levels of p < 0.05 indicated that the three treatments analysed in the biodegradability experiment were significant. The other experiment was undertaken to observe any physical change of Plastics A and B as compared to a reference plastic, namely, compostable plastic bag (Mater-Bi product-Plastic C), when exposed to a natural composting environment. Thermophilic temperatures were obtained for about 3–5 days of composting and the moisture content was in the range of 60–80% throughout the degradation process. It was observed that after 55 days of composting, Plastic C degraded completely while Plastic A and Plastic B did not undergo any significant degradation. It can be concluded that naturally based plastic made of starch would degrade completely in a time frame of 60 days, whereas plastics with biodegradable additive would require a longer time.

Structural Characteristics and Permeability of Ethyl Cellulose Films Containing Different Plasticizers

AbstractThe effect of different type of plasticizers was investigated in ethyl cellulose as coating polymer for manufacturing coated pellets of modified release containing a water soluble model drug. Scanning electron microscopic image analysis (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic chemical surface analysis (XPS) were used to study the films, and the dissolution profiles of coated pellets were evaluated. The effect of the different plasticizers and coating levels on the first order dissolution rate constant is determined by statistical experimental design. Correlation was found between the dissolution rate constant and the structural characteristics of the coating layer containing different plasticizers. Partial segregation of the plasticizers was detected especially on the surface of the films, which is in correlation with the differences in the glass transition temperatures. PEG 400 is found to be compatible enough to form continuous, durable EC coating at 5% concentration level, which gave the slowest dissolution.

LIBS for landmine detection and discrimination

The concept of utilizing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology for landmine detection and discrimination has been evaluated using both laboratory LIBS and a prototype man-portable LIBS systems. LIBS spectra were collected for a suite of landmine casings, non-mine plastic materials, and "clutter-type" objects likely to be present in the soil of a conflict area or a former conflict area. Landmine casings examined included a broad selection of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines from different countries of manufacture. Other materials analyzed included rocks and soil, metal objects, cellulose materials, and different types of plastics. Two "blind" laboratory tests were conducted in which 100 broadband LIBS spectra were obtained for a mixed suite of landmine casings and clutter objects and compared with a previously-assembled spectral reference library. Using a linear correlation approach, "mine/no mine" determinations were correctly made for more than 90% of the samples in both tests. A similar test using a prototype man-portable LIBS system yielded an analogous result, validating the concept of using LIBS for landmine detection and discrimination.

Effect of plasticizers on properties of pregelatinised starch acetate (Amprac 01) free films

Film coating is a technique widely used in the pharmaceutical field to improve and modify technological and release characteristics of capsules, tablets and granules. In this paper physical and mechanical properties of free films of Amprac 01, obtained by the solvent cast method, were studied in order to investigate the film forming ability of this modified starch and the effects of the addition of different plasticizers. A morphological microscopical analysis (SEM) was performed to study surface properties of the films, while thermal analysis (DSC) was carried out to investigate the influence of different types of plasticizers on the glass transition temperature of the polymer. Then a mechanical characterization permitted to evaluate important parameters such as film crack resistance and deformation at break. Extensional creep/relaxation tests were also performed to investigate the viscoelastic characteristics. As clearly demonstrated by the T g values, the residual water present in the films acted as plasticizers, making possible the formation of free films characterised by good macroscopical and mechanical properties. Except glycerol, the kind and amount of the other tested plasticizers did not markedly improve the mechanical and crack resistance of the films.

Phenotypic plasticity: a useful framework for understanding adaptation in forest species

Phenotypic plasticity is a relatively new name for a very old issue in plant sciences: the ability of a genotype to generate a range of different phenotypes, depending on the environment. Contrasting with a great deal of published research works recognising plastic responses in a wide variety of organisms, direct evidences of the adaptive role of such responses are still scarce and the evolutionary implications of phenotypic plasticity is under discussion. Different types of plasticity, operating at different levels within individuals or across generations have been recognised and several methodologies have been applied to characterize and quantify plasticity. Further research on this issue regarding forest tree species, especially in Mediterranean ecosystems is needed in order to understand the impact that global climate change may have on the existing populations.

Use of Plasticulture for Strawberry Plant Production

Abstract Strawberries are cultivated either in open fields or in greenhouses. Many types of polyethylene films (plastics) are utilized in heating, water conservation, and plant protection, which all affect plant and fruit development. Different types of plastics are also used during field cultivation for overhead covering and protection. Strawberry fruiting fields may be completely protected by plasticulture, whether grown under low tunnels (cloches) or walk-in greenhouses. Drip-irrigation using plastic piping is widely used during all stages of strawberry production, primarily to conserve water, but also to reduce moisture and consequent disease incidence.

Caracterização mecânica e térmica de compósitos de poli (cloreto de vinila) reforçados com fibras de sisal

Compósitos de PVC, plastificados com diferentes sistemas de plastificação e reforçados com fibras de sisal, foram processados em moinho de dois rolos. A influência do tipo e teor do plastificante, do comprimento e do teor das fibras nas propriedades dos compósitos obtidos foi estudada. Dois tipos de plastificantes foram usados, um líquido (do tipo poliéster) e um sólido permanente (copolímero etileno/ acetato de vinila/ monóxido de carbono). As fibras usadas foram previamente lavadas com água a 80 °C por uma hora. Os compósitos, com fibras curtas aleatoriamente distribuídas, foram caracterizados através de ensaio mecânico de resistência à tração, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), e análises térmicas de calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC) e análise por termogravimetria (TG). O comprimento ótimo de fibra obtido para os compósitos foi de 6 mm. O uso do plastificante sólido mostrou-se viável e promoveu uma maior molhabilidade da fibra pela matriz nos compósitos, principalmente para teores acima de 40 pcr. As análises térmicas mostraram que a substituição do plastificante líquido pelo plastificante sólido não afetou a estabilidade térmica das matrizes e dos compósitos.

Migration of nonylphenol from plastic containers to water and a milk surrogate.

Nonylphenol (NP) is used as an antioxidant and plasticizer in some plastic products. After the discovery of its endocrine-disrupting potential, concern over human exposure to this chemical has increased. Recently, a group in Germany estimated the average daily intake of NP from food (7.5 microg/day), excluding water. In the present study, NP, octylphenol (OP), and their respective ethoxylates (1-5) were measured in spring water bottled in three different types of plastic (HDPE, PET, and PVC). NP was present in water from HDPE and PVC containers, at 180 and 300 ng/L respectively, which represent 4.8% and 8% of the value calculated by the German group assuming a consumption of 2 L of water per day. OP was found in water from HDPE extracts in lower amounts, 12 ng/L, and neither the NP- nor the OP-ethoxylates were detected in any of the samples. Attempts to measure these compounds in tap water were unsuccessful, probably because reaction with residual chlorine results in the formation of chlorinated byproducts. Migration of NP from HDPE containers to a milk surrogate was also evaluated; results indicate that the amounts of NP leaching into milk might be similar to those in bottled water.

Optical determination of ionophore diffusion coefficients in plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) sensing films

The knowledge of accurate diffusion coefficients of electrically neutral ionophores in solvent polymeric membranes is important in view of understanding and optimizing important sensor characteristics of ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) and their corresponding optical sensors. A spectroscopic imaging technique is introduced here to determine the diffusion coefficient of the chromoionophore ( N, N-diethyl-5-(octadecanoylimino)-5 H-benzo[a]phenoxazine-9-amine, ETH 5294) in solvent polymeric membranes with different types of plasticizers and varying polymer–plasticizer ratio. This method is based on following the changes in the absorbance profiles of the chromoionophore as a function of space and time. The desired membrane composition is solvent cast onto a glass slide and placed under a microscope objective. The membrane is then exposed to light from a mercury arc lamp which photobleaches the dye in a circular area, providing an interface from which the time rate of absorbance change is studied. Spectral images are acquired over fixed time intervals with a microscope equipped with a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera providing 0.41 μm nominal resolution. Two plasticizers, ortho-nitrophenyl octyl ether ( o-NPOE) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (DOS), are examined in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) by varying the ratio of polymer to plasticizer content and measuring the diffusion coefficient of the chromoionophore. Corresponding membrane compositions containing 10 wt.% of an inert lipophilic salt (ETH 500) are also examined. Near linear relationships between the logarithmic diffusion coefficients and the PVC content are observed that obey the following relationships: log D=−6.17 –0.0459 wt.% PVC (for PVC–DOS), log D=−6.46 –0.0468 wt.% PVC (for PVC–DOS–ETH 500), log D=−5.89 –0.0508 wt.% PVC (for PVC–NPOE), log D=−6.22 –0.0473 wt.% PVC (for PVC–NPOE–ETH 500).

&lt;b&gt;Control System for the Takizawa method of Rehabilitation and Muscle Power Strength Training&lt;/b&gt;

Orthotics have been in great use since ancient times. Orthotics were made to protect, correct or support a particular area of the body or limb. Research and development were accelerated after World War II. Orthotics at that time used more of aluminum or steel and leather but today, different types of plastics are used. Other types of orthosis have both steel and plastics. Prefabricated orthosis are now available making it affordable and easier to procure. Newer designs has recently been researched and found to be effective in preventing further orthopedic complications. Orthotic components are now also available to further improve efficiency. Lately, CAD CAMs has been in use for manufacturing and research. CAD CAMs has contributed to improvements in design concepts. Research in the field of orthotics has lately been about efficiency, and improvement of the quality of life.

Identification and fragmentation study of plasticizers with post-source decay matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

A detailed investigation of the most commonly used plasticizers, such as phthalate, adipate and trimellitate esters, using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) and post-source decay (PSD) MALDI-TOFMS/MS is described. It is shown that PSD MALDI-TOFMS/MS is capable of unambiguous determination of the different types of plasticizers. The determination of the types of plasticizers from different PVC samples by PSD MALDI-TOFMS/MS, without the need for solvent extraction, is also demonstrated. The fragmentation mechanisms of these plasticizers cationized with protons and sodium ions are also reported.

Electrothermal vaporisation ICP-mass spectrometry (ETV-ICP-MS) for the determination and speciation of trace elements in solid samples - A review of real-life applications from the author's lab.

The use of electrothermal vaporisation (ETV) from a graphite furnace as a means of sample introduction in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) permits the direct analysis of solid samples. A multi-step furnace temperature programme is used to separate the vaporisation of the target element(s) and of the matrix components from one another. Sometimes, a chemical modifier is used to enable a higher thermal pre-treatment temperature, by avoiding premature analyte losses (stabilisation) or promoting the selective volatilisation of matrix components. In almost all instances, accurate results can be obtained via external calibration or single standard addition using an aqueous standard solution. Absolute limits of detection are typically ~1 pg, which corresponds to 1 ng/g for a typical sample mass of 1 mg. Real-life applications carried out in the author's lab are used to illustrate the utility of this approach. These applications aim at trace element determination in industrial and environmental materials. The industrial materials analysed include different types of plastics - Carilon, polyethylene, poly(ethyleneterephtalate) and polyamide - and photo- and thermographic materials. As samples from environmental origin, plant material, animal tissue and sediments were investigated. Some applications aimed at a multi-element determination, while in other, the content of a single, but often challenging, element (e.g., Si or S) had to be measured. ETV-ICP-MS was also used in elemental speciation studies. Separation of Se-containing proteins was accomplished using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Subsequent quantification of the Se content in the protein spots was carried out using ETV-ICP-MS. As the volatilisation of methylmercury and inorganic mercury could be separated from one another with respect to time, no chromatographic or electrophoretic separation procedure was required, but ETV-ICP-MS as such sufficed for Hg speciation in fish tissue.

204 廃プラスチック静電種別分離装置のシステム化(再資源化・再利用)(廃棄物処理技術)

The authors have developed and commercialized the tribo-electrostatic separator for waste plastics into high-purity materials by type of plastic. This technology employs the frictional charged characteristics which is obtained when different types of plastic are rubbed together. And, it utilizes batch processing to frictional electrification in the standard type of this separator. Therefore, the successive batch processing is applied for continuous separation by plural frictional electrifiers. This report describes an outline of the tribo-electrostatic separator with the successive type batch processing and the results of a continuous separation test. It also describes some pre-treatment conditions which is necessary to obtain 99% or higher purity separation.

A review of plastics waste recycling and the flotation of plastics

This paper summarizes the importance of plastic waste recycling and plastic waste separation. Based on an analysis of the physical and chemical characteristics of plastics and plastic waste, the potentials and limitations of several technological processes are discussed. In addition, a review of the surface chemical aspects of plastic flotation is presented. It can be concluded that the flotation of plastics is a fairly flexible technique and could prove to be a useful process for the separation of mixtures of several different types of plastics. However, more research and development effort is required before this technology can be introduced to industry.

Extrusion‐rotomolding of plasticized PVC formulations

AbstractIn this work, we present a novel process to produce plasticized PVC articles. Plasticized PVC dispersion resin (dry blend) was extruded and poured into a hot mold. The mold was transferred to a rotomolding machine, where the final geometry was obtained. Formulations using commercial PVC suspension resin and three different types of plasticizers were prepared under different processing conditions. The physical appearance of the articles and the tensile properties of the materials were evaluated.