Plastic Mixtures Research Articles

Synergistic effects and products yield analyses based on co-pyrolysis of poplar tree and rape stalks with polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene

In this study, results from co-pyrolysis of poplar tree, rape stalks (biomass) and polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene (plastics) are reported using thermogravimetric analyzer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Pyrolyzer-Gas chromatograph/Mass spectrometry. The individual samples, and their mixtures (in 1:1 mass mixture ratios) were investigated to evaluate their co-pyrolysis behavior. TGA results showed the decomposition of agroforestry residues and plastic mixtures having three main stages of moisture evaporation, volatilization, and solid decomposition. The volatilization stage was important in the process. FTIR results showed the presence of poplar tree and rape stalks promoted the pyrolysis of plastics, which also supported the results of TGA. The same absorption bands at the same wavenumbers, indicated the presence of similar chemical functional groups. Py-GC/MS results showed co-pyrolysis of agroforestry residues and PET promoted formation of aromatic and acid while with PP, it promoted hydrocarbons and alcohol at 700 °C.

Modeling and simulation of microwave assisted catalytic pyrolysis system of waste plastics polymer for fuel production

Pyrolysis is a promising method of chemically recycling plastic waste, as it allows for the recovery of both energy and materials. In this work, a comprehensive mathematical model has been developed to predict the pyrolysis of plastic wastes over ZSM-5 catalyst in microwave-assisted pyrolysis (MAP) system for fuel production. To conduct a transient numerical analysis of the underlying processes, a lumped kinetic model that takes into account three lumped pyrolysis products (olefins, paraffins, and aromatics) is coupled with the equations that govern the microwave field, heat transfer, mass transfer, and fluid flow (Darcy's law). The distributions of electric field, temperature, and pyrolysis products within MAP are presented. The study investigated the effects of several factors on the rate of production and consumption in the pyrolysis reactions of a waste plastic mixture when using MAP. These factors include the microwave power input, the inlet velocity of the fluidizing gas, as well as the mass and particle size of the catalyst used. Increasing the input power leads to a higher intensity of the electric field, which causes a greater increase in temperature within the same time frame. The mass and particle size of the catalyst used also have a significant impact on the yield of olefins, paraffins, and aromatics. Reducing the particle size of the catalyst generally increases the reaction rate, but particle sizes smaller than 50 μm are not ideal for fluidization due to increased intermolecular forces. Increasing the inlet velocity of the fluidizing gas may result in an incomplete consumption of intermediates and a low yield of products. All in all, The MAP system is a highly efficient and effective design for using plastic waste as a source of energy, due to its superior energy efficiency and lower processing temperature compared to traditional fluidized-bed reactors.

Briquette from Candlenut Shell Charcoal and Polypropylene Plastic Waste From The Kefamenanu Landfill

This research aimed to determine the optimum composition of polypropylene plastic and candlenut shell charcoal in briquettes production. The percentage of briquette mixture was CK100:0PP, CK75:25PP, CK50:50PP, CK25:75PP and CK0:100PP. The moisture content of the briquettes obtained was as follows CK100:0PP (6.33%), CK75:25PP (4.18%), CK50:50PP (2.63%), CK25:75PP (1.90%) and CK0: 100PP (0.77%). Ash content was CK100:0PP (0.51%), CK75:25PP (18.82%), CK50:50PP (9.09%), CK25:75PP (3.26%) and CK0:100PP (1.74%). The level of flying substances was CK100:0PP (33.53%), CK75:25PP (51.52%), CK50:50PP (52.37%), CK25:75PP (60.99%) and CK0:100PP (72.96%). Fixed carbon was CK100:0PP (59.63%), CK75:25PP (25.48%), CK50:50PP (35.91%), CK25:75PP (33.85%) and CK0:100PP (24.52 %). Calorific value was CK100:0PP (2,902.31 cal/gr), CK75:25PP (9,292.45 cal/gr), CK50:50PP (8,155.53 cal/gr), CK25:75PP (9,094.69 cal/gr) and CK0:100PP (10,808.30 cal/gr). Compressive strength was CK75:25PP (50.31 Kgf/cm2), CK50:50PP (44.67 Kgf/cm2), CK25:75PP (36.11 Kgf/cm2) and CK0:100PP (33.85 Kgf/cm2). The optimum composition of briquettes from a mixture of polypropylene plastic and candlenut shell charcoal was CK25:75PP.

Waste catalyst potential for co-pyrolysis of biomass and single-use plastics: model-free isoconversional kinetics and thermodynamics

AbstractThe study aims to investigate the kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of single and binary pyrolysis of biomass (date pits: DP) and single-use-plastics (polypropylene: PP, and polystyrene: PS), and the effect of adding natural catalysts—seashell (SS) and cuttlebone (CB) for ternary co-pyrolysis of the feeds. The activation energy (Ea) was calculated using different model-free kinetic methods, including Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), Ozawa–Flynn–Wall (FWO), and Starink, utilizing information from the degradation at three heating rates from room temperature to 1173 K. The results showed that all three methods produced relatively similar Ea values with a high coefficient of correlation (R2), indicating a good fit for the data. The Ea values for single feeds of DP, PP, and PS using the FWO method were found to be in the range of 196–223 kJ/mol, while for binary feeds—DPPP and DPPPS—the values were found to be lower than for the individual plastics. The high Ea values of the binary plastic mixture are also reduced by ~ 40 kJ/mol in the ternary mixture due to biomass co-pyrolysis. Additionally, the study revealed that the addition of SS and CB catalysts positively affected the ternary co-pyrolysis by reducing activation energy by 28.5 and 5.8%, respectively, due to the catalytic activity of 20 wt% of CaCO3 decomposition from the seashell and cuttlebone added in situ to the feeds. The research contribution of this study lies in its comprehensive investigation of the kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of biomass and plastic pyrolysis, including single and binary systems, as well as the introduction of natural catalysts for ternary co-pyrolysis. The findings highlight the effectiveness of the studied catalysts in reducing activation energy and provide valuable insights for the development of efficient biomass and plastic waste conversion processes.

MP-PIC Modeling of Fluidization Behaviors of Binary Sand–Plastic Mixtures

MP-PIC Modeling of Fluidization Behaviors of Binary Sand–Plastic Mixtures

Uji Kuat (Kuat Tekan) Paving Block Hasil Konversi Sampah Plastik

This research aims to determine the compressive strength of paving blocks produced from plastic waste through a comparison with paving blocks made from a mixture of plastic and sand, as well as factory-produced paving blocks used for the UIN Fatmawati Sukarno Bengkulu campus courtyard. The research is conducted using an experimental method, starting with the manufacturing of plastic-based paving blocks and followed by strength testing in the civil engineering laboratory of the University of Bengkulu. The results of the research show that the compressive strength of factory-produced paving blocks made from sand and cement averages 5.9 MPa, while the compressive strength of paving blocks made from a mixture of plastic and sand averages 1.32 MPa, and the average compressive strength of paving blocks is 2.23 MPa. In conclusion, the compressive strength of paving blocks made from pure plastic or a mixture of plastic and sand is still below the SNI 03-0691-1996 standard due to the brittle nature of plastic.
 Keywords: Conversion, Plastic, Paving Block

A Preliminary Study on the Use of Highly Aromatic Pyrolysis Oils Coming from Plastic Waste as Alternative Liquid Fuels.

In this work, the low-temperature pyrolysis of a real plastic mixture sample collected at a WEEE-authorised recycling facility has been investigated. The sample was pyrolysed in a batch reactor in different temperature and residence time conditions and auto-generated pressure by following a factorial design, with the objective of maximising the liquid (oil) fraction. Furthermore, the main polymers constituting the real sample were also pyrolysed in order to understand their role in the generation of oil. The pyrolysis oils were characterised and compared with commercial fuel oil number 6. The results showed that in comparison to commercial fuel oil, pyrolysis oils coming from WEEE plastic waste had similar heating values, were lighter and less viscous and presented similar toxicity profiles in fumes of combustion.

Facile fabrication of an extended-release tablet of Ticagrelor using three dimensional printing technology.

The objective of the study was to fabricate tailored extended-release tablets of blood thinner Ticagrelor as once-daily dosing using additive manufacturing for better compliance in heart failure therapy. The solid work design of the tablet was printed using hot melt extrusion (HME) based 3D printing by optimized mixture of Eudragit RS-100, plasticizer and drug for producing extrudable and printable filaments. FTIR and TGA results showed no covalent interaction among ingredients and no decomposition during HME process, respectively. Friability, weight variation, assay and content uniformity tests met USP requirements, while the mean hardness of the tablets was calculated in a value between 40 and 50 kg. According to DSC and XRD results, the crystallinity state of the Ticagrelor was converted to an amorphous one in the tablet matrix. Smooth surfaces with multiple deposited layers were observed using SEM. In comparison, the maximum Ticagrelor release of 100% after 120 min from Brilinta® tablets was decreased to 97% in 400 min from the 3D tablet at infill of 90%. Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model showed the drug release mechanism is affected by diffusion and swelling. In general, fabrication of the extended-release 3D printed tablet of Ticagrelor using HME-based-additive manufacturing has the potential to provide specific doses with tailored kinetic release for personalized medicine, improving adherence at point-of-care.

Parametric characterization of recycled polymers with nanofillers

AbstractThe increasing production of plastics and its resulting environmental problems and waste management issues have prompted stakeholders and communities to focus on reducing, recycling, and reusing plastic products at the industrial level. While many important initiatives have been launched with a circular economy perspective, there is still a lack of research on the mechanical properties of various mixtures of recycled plastics. To address this research gap, the primary objective of this study is to present a parametric investigation on the homogenization of four different types of plastics: virgin polypropylene, recycled polypropylene, recycled high‐density polyethylene, and recycled low‐density polyethylene. The study aims to develop a homogenization methodology for multimaterial plastics reinforced with carbon nanotubes, focusing on their mechanical behavior, especially the Young's modulus. The second section of the research focuses on studying the Melt Flow Index (MFI) of various mixtures of recycled plastics. By analyzing the MFI, valuable insights can be gained regarding the flow characteristics and processability of these plastic blends. Finally, the research investigates the incorporation of nanoparticles into these novel polymers to enhance their mechanical properties, with a specific emphasis on addressing the reduction in Young's modulus caused by the utilization of recycled plastics. Overall, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of the mechanical behavior and processing characteristics of recycled plastic mixtures, as well as exploring potential strategies for improving their properties through the incorporation of nanoparticles.Highlights Mechanical and processing properties of Plastic blends are not studied yet. Proposing parametrical homogenization formulas to predict such properties. Mechanical properties obtained are low and not suitable for structural purposes Adding to the blend carbon nanotubes to increase their properties. Properties are increased up to 11 times for recycled plastics blend.

Pembuatan Batako Menggunakan Plastik PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Sebagai Bahan Pengganti Pasir untuk Menentukan Nilai Kuat Tekan

To preserve the environment, it is necessary to innovate the use of plastic waste in the manufacture of building materials. Innovations that can be applied to this brick mix are such as adding inorganic materials, one of which is by adding PET plastic as a substitute for sand to the brick mix to innovate and know the strength of the bricks. the authors added a mixture of PET plastics with plastic percentages of 0%, 20%, 25%, and 30%. The calculation of brick mix planning uses reference SNI-03-0349-1989 with a compressive strength plan of 10 MPa. Compressive strength tests have various compressive strength values, namely variations of 0%, 20%, 25% and 30% obtaining compressive strength values of 7.92 MPa, 7.24 MPa, 7.52 MPa, and 7.24 MPa. . The addition of plastic as a substitute for sand in too many bricks proved ineffective against bricks. This means that the use of too much plastic can cause mortar and plastic to not be able to lock each other.

The Potential Utilization of Plastic Waste as a Building Material

One of the innovations in utilizing plastic waste is to process it into Plastic Blocks for Wall Pairs (BPBPD). This research aimed to analyze the temperature required in melting used plastic and cooking oil for making BPBPD mixtures. Variations in the research are temperature under the range 180°C, 200°C, and 220°C. Comparison of the proportions of the mixture of plastic, oil, and coarse aggregate 5-10 mm, namely 1.5:1:0.5, 1:1:0.5, and 1:1:0.25. The types of plastic used are plastic bags, aluminum-coated plastic, and mica plastic. The parameters in this study are the compressive strength value, the initial rate of suction (IRS) value, the porosity value, and the water absorption rate. The study results showed that the minimum temperature for melting plastic bags and aluminum is 180°C, and for melting mica plastic is 220°C. The recommended proportion for making this BPBPD is a ratio of 1.5:1:0.5. The results of the IRS test on the plastic bags BPBPD ranged from 0.037-0.057 Kg/m2, the aluminum plastic BPBPD 0.030-0.057 Kg/m2, and the mica plastic BPBPD 0.033-0.043 Kg/m2. The water absorption rate for plastic BPBPD ranges from 0.233-0.378%, aluminum plastic BPBPD 1.644-4.233%, and mica plastic BPBPD 1.233-2.756%. Porosity results from the plastic bag BPBPD ranged from 0.355-0.931%, the aluminum plastic BPBPD 10.83-12.1%, and the mica plastic BPBPD 2.25-3.9%. In general, the compressive strength of BPBPD plastic bags, both without and with immersion, meets the minimum average compressive strength according to BSN 1989 with quality IV with the highest value in the 1.5:1:0.5 mixture of 38.2 Kg/cm2.

Modulation of physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity of sodium alginate films through the use of chestnut extract and plasticizers

Due to the growing demand for robust and environmentally friendly antimicrobial packaging materials, biopolymers have recently become extensively investigated. Although biodegradable biopolymers usually lack mechanical properties, which makes it inevitable to blend them with plasticizers. The purpose of this study was to investigate plasticization efficiency of bio-based plasticizers introduced into sodium alginate compositions containing chestnut extract and their effect on selected film properties, including primarily mechanical and antibacterial properties. The films were prepared by the casting method and sodium alginate was cross-linked with calcium chloride. Six different plasticizers, including three commercially available ones (glycerol, epoxidized soybean oil and palm oil) and three synthesized plasticizers that are mixtures of bio-based plasticizers, were used to compare their influence on the film properties. Interactions between the polymer matrix and the plasticizers were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The morphological characteristics of the films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Thermal properties, tensile strength, elongation at break, hydrophilic, and barrier properties of the obtained films were also determined. To confirm the obtaining of active films through the use of chestnut extract and to study the effect of the proposed plasticizers on the antibacterial activity of the extract, the obtained films were tested against bacteria cultures. The final results showed that all of the obtained films exhibit a hydrophilic character and high barrier effect to oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor. In addition, sodium alginate films prepared with chestnut extract and the plasticizer proposed by us, showed better mechanical and antimicrobial properties than the films obtained with chestnut extract and the commercially available plasticizers.

Study on the adsorption mechanism of the sodium lignosulphonate on the surface of the selected plastics as a potential solution for plastics waste management

Separating different components of a plastic mixture is crucial in its recycling. Among the different separation techniques, flotation was selected as a cheap, non-toxic, and efficient process. Basis of the technique refers to the selective adsorption of a depressant on the plastics surface which cause the alteration in the surface energy of the plastic. Adsorption of the lignosulfonic acid sodium salt (SL) on the surface of the selected available plastics in the waste stream was studied. Plastics used in this study were Polyvinylchloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer (ABS), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyoxymethylene (POM), and polycarbonate PC. It results showed that SL adsorbed on the surface of the selected plastics considerably. It was evidenced by the measured equilibrium adsorption capacities ( [Formula: see text] ) of the SL and also, the SEM and AFM images. SL adsorbed on the plastic surface in the sequence of [Formula: see text]. Also, the parameters of the Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption models were derived. Experimental data fit with the mentioned models appropriately. However, for the most studied plastics, the Freundlich model was more suitable. As important conclusion, PP separated from plastics mix using the flotation separation technique with the aid of SL as a depressant.

Low temperature pyrolysis of polylactic acid (PLA) and its products

The fact that polylactic acid (PLA) is not biodegradable makes it necessary to find the methods of effective treatment of its waste. A significant method of processing waste PLA can be slow low-temperature pyrolysis, providing mostly oil and energy gas. The PLA pyrolysis provides almost 50 wt.% oil and 21–23 wt.% energy gas with a high carbon monoxide content above 90 vol.% at temperatures up to 420 °C. The temperatures above 420 °C do not give acceptable yields of oil anymore, and at the same time there are higher losses due to the release of low boiling aldehydes and ketones. The obtained oil and gas showed an acceptable calorific value as a basis for their use as substitute fuels. Due to its composition, oil can also be considered as a source of valuable chemicals (tetrahydrofuran, paraldehyde, cyclopentanone and ether) and gas as a source of carbon monoxide for industrial applications and, more recently, for biomedical use. Even plastic waste mixtures with a high proportion of PLA in a 1:1 ratio can be efficiently processed by slow low-temperature pyrolysis. The pyrolyzed mixture showed very similar yields of solid carbonaceous residue and oil (38 wt.% and 35 wt.%). The composition of the solid phase was only minimally different from the low-temperature pyrolysis of PLA. Although the ratio of PLA:LPO components was 1:1, the CO content decreased by ca. 20 vol.% at the expense of CO2 and lighter C2-C5.

Developing Sustainable Asphalt Mixtures Using High-Density Polyethylene Plastic Waste Material

There is growing interest in sustainable road pavement technologies to protect the environment and provide economic benefits. Post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics are considered for construction to address the threat of plastic waste materials (PWM) and to improve sustainability. Asphalt pavement construction is highly considered for PWM recycling due to its large daily production. The purpose of this study is to investigate the performance of asphalt mixture containing PWM, specifically high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and compare its performance with two conventional mixtures. Three asphalt mixtures were considered: (1) mixture with asphalt binder PG 76-22 (SBS-modified); (2) mixture with asphalt binder PG 70-22 (SBS-modified); and (3) mixture with binder PG 67-22 and 3% HDPE (the plastic mixture). The rheological properties of the modified asphalt binders and the performance of the modified asphalt mixtures were evaluated. The long-term field performance of the pavements was modeled using AASHTOWare software (v.1.1.6) for the three mixtures considered. The results showed that all the mixtures were able to comply with the cracking threshold specified by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) for high-traffic volume roads. In addition, the plastic asphalt mixture showed similar performance to the one containing PG 70-22 (SBS-modified) asphalt binder.

Fixed-bed CO2 adsorption onto activated char from the pyrolysis of a non-recyclable plastic mixture from real urban residues

The potential use of activated char obtained from the pyrolysis of a mixture of non-recyclable plastics for the adsorption of CO2 in fixed-bed columns has been explored. The rejected fraction of plastics collected in a municipal solid treatment plant was pyrolyzed and the resulting char residue was activated to develop a porous carbonaceous material. The dynamic behavior of CO2 adsorption was assessed by the breakthrough curves obtained in continuous column tests. Among all the available models, the curves were successfully fitted to the dose-response model. The effect of adsorption temperature (15–45 ºC), the inlet CO2 concentration (10–40 %, vol.), and the adsorbent length of the bed (loadings, 1–2 g) on the efficiency of the process was evaluated by the surface response methodology applying an adaptative neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). A temperature rise exerted a negative effect on the adsorption capacity due to the physisorption properties of the process, the fed CO2 concentration displayed a positive effect and the fixed-bed length did not play a remarkable influence.

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NANO CHITOSAN-AVOCADO SEED STARCH AS EDIBLE FILMS

The use of plastic as food packaging tends to cause problems because it is difficult to decompose; therefore, it can pollute the environment. The development of biodegradable plastics is an alternative to this problem. Chitosan, a bioplastic, can be used as a packaging material but has poor barrier properties. A biodegradable film was made from a mixture of plasticizer, nano chitosan, and avocado seed starch. Nanochitosan synthesis was carried out using the UAE method for 2 h at an amplitude of 50% to produce 0.7 µm sized particles. Films were formed using the casting method, and characterization was performed, which included functional group, thickness, color, and antioxidant tests. The FTIR spectrum showed that the interaction between nanochitosan and avocado seed starch occurred physically, marked by a shift in the wavenumber of the amide carbonyl group from 1646.60 cm-1 1549.99 cm-1. The film thickness was 0.10–0.15 cm with a darker color as the volume of nanochitosan used increased. Antioxidant analysis revealed that the LC50 value was between 150-250 ppm. The barrier properties of the resulting film against water vapor can inhibit strawberry fruit decay for 3–4 days at room temperature.

Toxicity of fresh and aged anthropogenic smoke particles emitted from different burning conditions

There is substantial evidence that photochemical reactions in the atmosphere cause physico-chemical transformation of combustion smoke, but how this processing modifies potential health effects in exposed populations is not well understood. Here we utilized a new approach to simulate photochemical aging of anthropogenic smoke emissions (a mixture of plastic, plywood, and cardboard smoke) from two different burning conditions (smoldering vs. flaming) and investigated their adverse outcomes associated with mutagenic activity and the relative potencies of different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Aging resulted in increased oxygenated volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions but largely degraded particle-bound PAH components in the smoke. Chemical transformation during aging was more dramatic for flaming versus smoldering smoke. Due to the PAH degradation, mutagenicity of the aged smoke from flaming combustion was much lower (up to 4 times) than that of the fresh smoke on per-particle mass basis. However, on the basis of particle emitted per fuel mass burned, the aged and fresh smoke particles exhibited similar mutagenic activities, which were up to 3 times higher for smoldering versus flaming smoke emissions. Similarly, the PAH toxicity equivalent (PAH-TEQ) of the aged smoldering smoke was 3 times higher than that of the aged flaming smoke particles, suggesting that some PAHs (e.g., indeno[c,d]pyrene and benzo[b]fluoranthene) in the smoldering smoke were more photochemically stable during aging. These findings increase understanding of the evolution of smoke emitted at different burning conditions and the role of photochemical transformations on mutagenicity and PAH-induced toxicity.

Pyrolysis of mixed plastic fractions – Development of predictive models for yield and oil quality

Pyrolysis of plastic mixtures has shown to form complex mixtures of oil, which is difficult to predict. Interaction effects between plastics have shown to affect both the oil composition and the yield distribution of oil, char, and gas. This work aims to generate models for the prediction of oil and char yield, acid number, and viscosity based on the feed composition. Besides the oil composition based on the reactor feed was mapped. Pyrolysis was performed in a batch reactor with a mixture of PP, PE, EVA, PET, PS and PA, where the content of PET, PS and PA were varied from 0% to 15%. The developed models showed a decrease in oil yield of 10% when 15% PS was interchanged with PET. Char content, acid number, and viscosity were shown to increase with the content of PET and lowered with the content of PS. PA caused an increase in char yield and viscosity, while it did not affect the acid number. The models R2-values varied from 0.87 to 0.96, showing that most of the variation in the responses can be explained by the differences in feed composition. The oil composition was found to mainly consist of hydrocarbons (C10 +), naphta and aromatics with only a small precense of alcohol and acid. The content of aromatic hydrocarbons is increased by the presence of PS, due to formation of styrene and toluene while the acid content increases with the PET content.

Refining of chlorine-containing plastic wastes by traditional hydrotreating and catalytic cracking processes

The present report is devoted to refining of thermolysis oil (TO), which was obtained from the mixture of different plastics and contained 2.24% of chlorine. The process of refining of thermolysis oil includes combination of hydrotreating of TO (80%) and SR VGO (20%) mixture with NiMo supported catalysts. The following process includes FCC treatment of the obtained hydrotreating products. All used conditions were typical for industrial FCC process of SR VGO with its preliminary hydrotreating. The influence of hydrotreating catalyst type and hydrotreating temperature on the composition and properties of hydrotreating products was studied. Moreover, the effect of these parameters on the composition and yields of FCC products was established. The main reasons of hydrotreating catalysts deactivation during refining of Cl containing thermolysis oil were investigated by XPS, HAADF, HCNS-analysis. It was revealed that the best hydrotreating temperature was 360 °C, while the best used catalyst was NiMoP/Al2O3.