Poly Ethylene Terephthalate PET Research Articles

On the Feasibility of an LCD-Based Real-Time Converter for Ionizing Radiation Imaging.

Here we present the cascade converter (CC), which provides real-time imaging of ionizing radiation (IoR) distribution. It was designed and manufactured with the simplest architecture, utilizing liquid crystal display (LCD) technology. Based on two merged substrates with transparent electrodes, armed with functional layers, with the cell filled with nematic liquid crystal, a display-like, IoR-stimulated CC was achieved. The CC comprises low-absorbing polymer substrates (made of polyethylene terephthalate-PET) armed with a transparent ITO electrode covered with a thin semipermeable membrane of polymer (biphenylperfluorocyclobutyl: BP-PFCB) doped with functional nanoparticles (NPs) of Lu2O3:Eu. This stack was covered with a photoconductive layer of α-Se and finally with a thin polyimide (PI) layer for liquid crystal alignment. The opposite substrate was made of LCD-type glass with ITO and polyimide aligning layers. Both substrates form a cell with a twisted structure of nematic liquid crystal (TN) driven with an effective electric field Eeff. An effective electric field driving TN structure is generated with a sum of (1) a bias voltage VBIAS applied to ITO transparent electrodes and (2) the photogenerated additional voltage VXray induced between ITO and α-Se layers with a NPs-doped BP-PFCB polymer layer in-between. The IoR (here, X-ray) conversion into real imaging of the IoR distribution was achieved in the following stages: (1) conversion of IoR distribution into non-ionizing red light emitted with functional NPs, (2) transformation of red light into an electric charge distributed in a layer of the photoconductive α-Se, which is what results in the generation of distributed voltage VXray, and (3) a voltage-mediated, distributed switching of the TN structure observed with the naked eye. The presented imaging device is characterized by a simple structure and a simple manufacturing process, with the potential for use as a portable element of IoR detection and as a dosimeter.

Superior glycidol-free chain extenders for post-consumer PET bottles and PET thermoform blends

The development of non-toxic, glycidol-free chain extenders is essential for enabling the recycling and reuse of both bottle-grade PET (PET-B) and thermoform PET (PET-T) in the packaging industry without the need for separation, thereby addressing the health concerns associated with commercial glycidol-based extenders. Herein, two novel series of novel glycidol-free chain extenders for bottle-grade recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET-B) and thermoform-grade PET (PET-T) blends are reported. Blends of PET-B with up to 20 wt% of PET-T were incorporated into novel epoxy acrylate chain extenders with terminal (PEAT-BA) and internal (PEAI-BA) epoxy groups. These chain extenders are glycidol-free and improve the mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties of the PET-B/PET-T blends, offering better performance enhancements than are provided by commercial chain extender Joncryl ADR (J). The results showed significant improvements in intrinsic viscosity and mechanical properties by around 10 and 15 %, respectively, without affecting thermal properties. These findings can play a role in enabling the recycling and re-use of PET-B and PET-T blends without requiring separation while offering glycidol-free solutions.

Piezoelectric thin Film Composites with BaTiO3 for Microelectronics

The piezocomposites from poly-(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with BaTiO3 (BT) are largely presented in literature, but the composites from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with BT consist a very new scientific preoccupation. The novelty of the paper lies in a new simpler route of preparation of the two composites with PDMS and respectively PVDF matrix, with tailored deposition on specific substrates for microelectronic use (e.g. indium-tin-oxide ITO/glass, Si/Pt, polyethylene terephthalate PET), along with an extensive comparation of their dielectric features, a consistent comparison of the influence of polymer matrix upon the piezoelectric features, and a demonstration of direct use for microelectronic applications of the composites of BT with PDMS. An interesting effect is observed around 100 kHz domain, determined by the activity and architecture of BT particles mainly for the BT-PDMS composites, which induce an additional ionic-dipolar conjugated polarization, as a displacement due to the balance between the resonance and anti-resonance frequency. Such phenomena explain the potential use of such composites as resonators/filters, and BT-PDMS composites should be further investigated for tailored applications in radiofrequency electronic field. We can appreciate that superior piezoelectric features are offered by the composites of BT with PDMS, comparing to the composites with PVDF, which means that the composites of BT with PDMS were worth to study, leading to more versatile variants of electronic characteristics and with superior values.

Traditional and biodegradable plastics host distinct and potentially more hazardous microbes when compared to both natural materials and planktonic community

Microplastic particles are persistent micropollutants that provide a substrate for the growth of bacterial biofilms, posing a threat to the environment. This study explores the changes in commercially available food containers made of conventional (polypropylene PP, polyethylene terephthalate PET), innovative biodegradable (Mater-Bi) and natural (wood and cellulose) materials, when introduced in the surface waters of Lake Maggiore for 43 days. Spectral changes revealed by FT-IR spectroscopy in PET and Mater-Bi, and changes in thermal properties of all human-made material tested indicated a degradation process occurred during environmental exposure. Despite similar bacterial richness, biofilms on PET, PP, and Mater-Bi differed from natural material biofilms and the planktonic community. Human-made material communities showed a higher proportion of potential pathogens, with PET and PP also exhibiting increased abundances of antibiotic resistance genes. Overall, these findings stress the need for dedicated strategies to curb the spread of human-made polymers in freshwaters, including innovative materials that, due to their biodegradable properties, might be perceived less hazardous for the environment.

Improvement of tensile strength of fused deposition modelling (FDM) part using artificial neural network and genetic algorithm techniques

PurposeThis paper presents an experimental investigation in establishing the relationship between FDM process parameters and tensile strength of polycarbonate (PC) samples using the I-Optimal design.Design/methodology/approachI-optimal design methodology is used to plan the experiments by means of Minitab-17.1 software. Samples are manufactured using Stratsys FDM 400mc and tested as per ISO standards. Additionally, an artificial neural network model was developed and compared to the regression model in order to select an appropriate model for optimisation. Finally, the genetic algorithm (GA) solver is executed for improvement of tensile strength of FDM built PC components.FindingsThis study demonstrates that the selected process parameters (raster angle, raster to raster air gap, build orientation about Y axis and the number of contours) had significant effect on tensile strength with raster angle being the most influential factor. Increasing the build orientation about Y axis produced specimens with compact structures that resulted in improved fracture resistance.Research limitations/implicationsThe fitted regression model has a p-value less than 0.05 which suggests that the model terms significantly represent the tensile strength of PC samples. Further, from the normal probability plot it was found that the residuals follow a straight line, thus the developed model provides adequate predictions. Furthermore, from the validation runs, a close agreement between the predicted and actual values was seen along the reference line which further supports satisfactory model predictions.Practical implicationsThis study successfully investigated the effects of the selected process parameters - raster angle, raster to raster air gap, build orientation about Y axis and the number of contours - on tensile strength of PC samples utilising the I-optimal design and ANOVA. In addition, for prediction of the part strength, regression and ANN models were developed. The selected ANN model was optimised using the GA-solver for determination of optimal parameter settings.Originality/valueThe proposed ANN-GA approach is more appropriate to establish the non-linear relationship between the selected process parameters and tensile strength. Further, the proposed ANN-GA methodology can assist in manufacture of various industrial products with Nylon, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and PET as new 3DP materials.

Acidic Influence in Conversion of Hospital Plastic Waste into Liquid Fuel using Kaolin Base-supported Catalysts

Assessing acidic influence in conversion of hospital plastic waste into liquid fuel with kaolin base supported catalysts was carried out using samples collected from a tertiary University teaching Hospital Sokoto, which encompassed Drip bags (Linear low density polyethylene LLDPE), Hand gloves (Polyethylene terephthalate PET) and Urine bags (Polyureathane PU). Uncatalyzed pyrolysis was first carried out using thermal cracking only at 300, 350, and 4000C. Catalyzed pyrolysis was also carried out using three different active catalyst mounted on same support and equal catalytic ratio of active catalyst to support. CuO/Kaolin-SO4, FeO/Kaolin-SO4 and CaO/Kaolin-SO4. The liquid fuel obtained from uncanalyzed and catalyzed pyrolysis of the sample were all subjected to GCMS and FTIR analysis. Uncatalyzed pyrolysis was first carried out using thermal cracking only at 300, 350, and 4000C. Catalyzed pyrolysis was also conducted using three different active catalyst mounted on same support and equal catalytic ratio of active catalyst to support. Fe2O3/Kaolin-SO4 (CAT.D), CuO/Kaolin-SO4 (CAT.E), and CaO/Kaolin-SO4 (CAT.F). The catalytic activities of all the three synthesized catalysts were successfully tested in the conversion of hospital plastic waste in to liquid fuel. However the conversion using (CAT.D) was found to be more promising and selective to liquid fraction then followed by CAT. E and F. Therefore, the results shows that CAT.D has lower cocking tendency that result to high liquid than the other catalysts. The FTIR and GC/MS analysis revealed that the chemical composition and carbon number distribution of the liquid fraction which indicate the presence of paraffinic, naphthenic and olefins hydrocarbons as the dominant component in the liquid fraction obtained, and high amount of lower hydrocarbon range was also obtained using CAT.D. Thus, sulphated kaolin catalyst (CAT.D) was found to be better in modifying the product than CAT.E and F.

Properties of Sustainable Self- compacting Concrete Containing Treated and Modified Waste Plastic Fibers

This study aims to improve different properties of sustainable self-compacting concrete SCC containing treated and modified polyethylene terephthalate PET fibers. For this purpose, gamma ray surface treatment and geometric modification were utilized for the used PET fibers. Concrete fresh properties include slump flow, T500mm, L-box and sieve segregation while mechanical properties include compressive, split tensile strength, flexural strength, static modulus of elasticity and impact strength. Further, physical properties and related durability properties comprise dry density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, porosity and water absorption. The results obtained demonstrated that the treatment and the modification used for the PET fibers slightly reduced the fresh properties of produced sustainable SCC (slump flow, T500 mm, L-Box and sieve segregation). However, they were within the limits of the SCC specification as reported in EFNERC guidelines. Further, concrete hardened properties in terms of compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, impact strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, decrease in the dry density, decrease in porosity and water absorption increased significantly.

Optimum characteristics of plastic fibres for sustainable self-compacting concrete SCC

The main aim of this research is to optimize various characteristics of Polyethylene terephthalate PET fibres in a sustainable self-compacting concrete in terms of volume fraction Vf, aspect ratio Ar and method of surface treatment. In the first stage, the performance of fibre-reinforced self-compacting concrete was analysed in terms of main fresh and hardened properties. Nine different SCC mixtures were designed using three different ratios of Vf and Ar. The fresh tests were evaluated through the examination of the slump flow and T500 while the hardened tests include compressive and splitting tensile strength test. The optimal mixture was selected based on a statistical program (Minitab19) for the next stage. The optimized mix in stage two is selected to be a control mix in addition to other two mixtures with PET fibres treated chemically (NaOH solution), and mechanically (surface roughness). The fresh tests in this stage include slump flow, T500mm, L-box, sieve segregation whereas the hardened tests include compressive, splitting tensile, flexural, impact strength, porosity, and water absorption. The multi-objective optimization results from first stage indicated that the optimum Vf and Ar for PET fibres, to achieve the optimum performance in terms of the tested properties and the partitioning of sustainability aspects, were 0.7% and 24.4 respectively. The results of the two modifications used for PET fibres reduced the fresh properties slightly (flow, L-box, T500, sieve segregation) yet they were within the specification limits for SCC. However, the mechanical and related durability properties (strength, tensile, flexural, impact, less porosity, less absorption) were increased considerably. It can be deduced that treatment of PET fibres by increasing the roughness surface with the optimum characteristics of PET fibres from stage one, in terms Vf and Ar, can give the best performance.

Toughness arising from inherent strength of polymers

This study carries out spatial-resolved optical birefringence observations to quantify, for mode I (tensile opening) loading, the stress intensification at crack tip of brittle and ductile glassy polymers (polymethyl methacrylate—PMMA, polyethylene terephthalate—PET) as well as one type of elastomer: (ethylene propylene diene monomer—EPDM). We measure the stress buildup in a precut specimen by correlating retardation with the corresponding tensile stress. Given the adequate spatial resolution under 10μm and natural bluntness of intentional through-cuts, we are able to show that (a) during drawing at different stages up to the onset of fracture in precut PMMA and EPDM, the local stress saturates, namely, ceases to increase as r−1/2 upon approaching the cut tip (with r reaching rss in a range of 0.05–0.15 mm), (b) tip stress σtip, i.e., the tensile stress in the stress saturation zone (r≤rss), linearly grows with (operationally defined) stress intensity factor KI until fracture, reaching a level below the breaking stress σb observed of uncut specimen. Thus, the inherent strength σF(inh) under plane strain, taken to be the tip stress at fracture is only comparable to σb. Moreover, a characteristic length P, involved in the observed linearity between KI and σtip, i.e., in KI=σtipP1/2, is found to be comparable to 2πrss. Here rss appears to depend on the tip sharpness, which may be characterized by a radius of curvature ρtip. Thus, toughness given by the critical stress intensity factor KIc is determined by the product of σF(inh) and ρtip1/2, and the critical energy release rate GIc is given by the product of specific work of fracture wF = [σF(inh)]2/2E and ρtip.

Effects of Biofilms and Particle Physical Properties on the Rising and Settling Velocities of Microplastic Fibers and Sheets.

Vertical dynamics of microplastics (MPs) in the water column are complex and not fully understood due to the diversity of environmental MPs and the impact of weathering and biofouling on their dynamical properties. In this study, we investigate the effects of the particle properties and biofilm on the vertical (settling or rising) velocity of microplastic sheets and fibers under laboratory conditions. The experiments focus on three types of MPs (polyester PES fibers, polyethylene terephthalate PET sheets, and polypropylene PP sheets) of nine sizes and two degrees of biological colonization. Even though pristine PES fibers and PET sheets had a similar density, the sinking velocity of fibers was much smaller and independent of their length. The settling or rising velocity of sheets increased with the particle size up to a threshold and then decreased in the wake of horizontal oscillations in large particles. Biofilms had unexpected effects on vertical velocities. Irregular biofilm distributions can trigger motion instabilities that decrease settling velocities of sheets despite the increase in density. Biofilms can also modify the orientation of fibers, which may increase their settling velocity. Finally, we selected the most performant theoretical formulation for each type of particle and proposed modifications to consider the effect of biofilm distribution.

Abrasion Resistance of Plastic Parts Manufactured By 3D Printing

Abstract There are situations where parts manufactured by 3D printing processes must have a high abrasion resistance. To conduct experimental research on this subject, relatively simple test equipment for abrasive wear of pin-on-disk type was designed and materialized. The test pieces from the research material were pressed with known forces on the surface of a rotating abrasive paper disk. The test pieces were made of polyethylene terephthalate PET and polyethylene terephthalate carbon fiber reinforced PET CF15. As output parameters, the speed of decreasing the mass and the length of the test piece were used, respectively, for predetermined test durations. An experimental Taguchi L8 program was used, with 7 independent variables at two levels of variation. The experimental results were mathematically processed determined empirical mathematical models of the power function type. It was found that the strongest influence on the values of the output parameters was exerted by the average travel speed and by the granulation of the particles incorporated in the abrasive paper disk.

What Roles Do Long-Term Exposure of Polyethylene Terephthalate (Pet) Play in Performance of Activated Sludge from Mbr?

What Roles Do Long-Term Exposure of Polyethylene Terephthalate (Pet) Play in Performance of Activated Sludge from Mbr?

Investigation of Carbon-Based Composites for Elastic Heaters and Effects of Hot Pressing in Thermal Transfer Process on Thermal and Electrical Properties.

Wearable electronics are new structures with a wide range of possible applications. This study aims to analyze the effects of hot pressing in thermal transfer of different carbon-based composites as a new application method of screen-printed electronics on textiles. Flexible heaters were screen-printed on polyethylene terephthalate PET foil with composites based on graphene, carbon black, and graphite with different wt.%, measured and then hot pressed to measure and analyze differences. Research showed that the hot pressing process in thermal transfer resulted in decreased electrical resistance, increased power, and higher maximal temperatures. Best results were achieved with composites based on 12 wt.% graphene with sheet resistance lowered by about 40% and increased power by about 110%. This study shows promise for thermal transfer and screen-printing combination as an alternative for creating flexible electronics on textiles.

Studying some of mechanical properties and microstructure analysis for cement mortar using waste of depolymerized Polyethylene terephthalate by using bubble column technique

In this study, the density and compressive strength together with microstructural analysis of cement mortar by partial replacement of fine aggregate with the powder of Polyethylene terephthalate PET depolymerized by using bubble column technique has been studied. The powder of depolymerized Polyethylene terephthalate DPET was used with four different contents of 1%, 3%, 6%, and 9% by weight of fine aggregate. The destructive compressive strength test was prepared once it reaches ages 7 and 28 days of curing. Before that, the density of mortar determines at some samples for both ages. The lightweight modification mortar was set with ratios of 0.48 for water to binder and 1:2.75 for the cement to sand. After completing specific tests, the data of the result presented that the density of the modification cement mortars drops when using DPET powder as fine aggregate. The compressive strength of the modification cement mortars with DPET powder was slightly decreased with the increase of DPET powder percent. The microstructure of the modification cement mortar containing DPET powder showed that DPET particles plug the holes.

High Capacity and Miniaturized Flexible Chipless RFID Tag Using Modified Complementary Split Ring Resonator

This paper aims to produce a high data capacity and miniaturized flexible chipless RFID tag based on the frequency signature using the Modified Complementary Split Ring Resonator (MCSRR). The proposed 19 bits chipless RFID tag using the frequency shifting technique consists of five slotted overlaying MCSRR with Different Width (MCSRR with DW) structures and the dimension of 48 mm $\times48$ mm. The structure is designed by using a flexible (Polyethylene Terephthalate ) PET substrate with permittivity of 0.2. The operating frequency is between 0.9 GHz and 2.7 GHz. The advancement of slotted overlaying MCSRR with DW structures has successfully miniaturized the chipless RFID tag structure to about $107~{\mathrm {mm}}^{2}$ / bit, $0.02\lambda _{mid}^{2}/\mathrm {bit}$ and 0.09 GHz/bit by maximizing the number of resonators in a limited space and minimizing the frequency separation between the resonators. The omnidirectional tag antenna is incorporated with the proposed MCSRR structure using the retransmission measurement method. The log-periodic antenna with a gain of 5–7 dBi is used for this measurement to improve the range distance between tag and reader system. Based on the retransmission measurement involving the antenna tag, the 19 bits chipless RFID tag which consists of five MCSRR with DW structures can be detected with a maximum range distance of 30 cm and a power transmitted level of 30 dBm.

An Innovative Method of Voided Reinforced Concrete One-Way Slabs Using Bundled Waste PET Bottled Tubes

Sustainability in concrete structure has been developed rapidly for ensuring the requested for a new thinking about construction by concrete elements. This paper deals with using buddle using polyethylene terephthalate PET bottles and steel meshes for fabricating and modeling one way RC voided slab. That is very useful to reduce the weight of slab, also reduced the wastes in same time. For both the voided and solid ones, the load-displacement curves were almost identical from beginning until the load reaches ultimate stages, where the increasing in depth of voided slab showed higher strengths and lower displacement at same load level.

Separation and identification of microplastics from primary and secondary effluents and activated sludge from wastewater treatment plants

Although wastewater treatment plants can retain a high percentage of microplastics (MP) arriving at the facilities, no method for extracting and characterizing these microparticles has been still standardized in these units. This study investigated three protocols of chemical digestion, prior to analysis of microplastics, one directed to the effluents, using peroxidation, and two for activated sludge (peroxidation and Fenton). The samples (primary effluent, secondary effluent and activated sludge) were collected from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) located in Valencia (Spain). In addition, four common types of polymers (Low density polyethylene-LDPE, Polypropylene-PP, Polystyrene-PS and Polyethylene terephthalate-PET) were used to assess the influence of reagent exposure on microparticle integrity. Peroxidation was effective in treating the studied effluents (primary and secondary) and was also identified as the ideal protocol for activated sludge. The analysis showed that the use of H2O2 does not compromise the identification of the polymers evaluated by FTIR and also significantly reduced the concentration of suspended solids, resulting in an efficient visual separation of the microparticles. After been properly separated, the microparticles were characterized according to their size, colour and shape, and a fraction submitted to identification by µ-ATR-FTIR/ATR-FTIR. In all samples, a high presence of microfibers (MF) was observed, corresponding to more than 90% of the microparticles. However, in relation to secondary effluents, only 9% of these MF were identified as plastics, the remaining ones corresponded to cotton. The fragments found in the samples were classified as secondary in origin, and were mainly PE and PP, lower than 1 mm size.

The Potential Plastic Oil Production from Plastics Waste (PET and LDPE) in Aceh, Indonesia

Plastics are non-degradable polymers which contain carbon, hydrogen and others elements (chlorine, nitrogen, etc.). Due to its non-biodegradable nature, this compound contributes significantly to the problem of the environmental issues. One of the solutions to solve the plastic waste problem is to convert to plastic oil. Waste plastic oil (WPO) production from Polyethylene terephthalate PET and/or Low-density poly ethylene LDPE oils is an effective way to meet requirement for fuel supply to internal combustion engine. This study evaluated the potential WPO production from PET and LDPE were collected and extracted from Aceh, Indonesia. Moreover, WPO has been produced by using thermal cracking methods under pyrolysis process. The properties of the WPO produced such as viscosity, density, acid value, research octane number (RON) and heating value have been determined. After analysing these properties, it could be concluded that it is possible to obtain diesel fuel from LDPE and gasoline fuel from PET. The WPO could be used as an alternative fuel for internal combustion engines in the future, having two benefits: to recover energy from waste and reduce the environmental problems caused by this waste.

Mechanical Properties of Concrete Using Plastic Waste

This paper presents strength and behaviour of concrete by the addition of percentages recycled waste plastic (polyethylene terephthalate-PET). Almost 60 concrete samples with a cylindrical shape of 100 x 200 mm and a prism of 100 x 100 x 400 mm were prepare. Concrete strength (compressive, indirect tensile and flexural strength) were investigated throughout 7, 14, and 28 days using 10%, 15% and 20% of PET plastic aggregate as a substitute for coarse aggregate. It is found that when the percentages of PET plastic increase in concrete, the slump value and weight of concrete decrease significantly. The compressive strength, indirect tensile strength and modules of rupture are also found to be decreased with increasing the percentages of PET plastic. The addition PET plastic more than 10%, the strength dropped drastically more than 40%. The usage of waste plastic in concrete leads to a change in the modes of failure from brittle (rapid) failure to more ductile failure.

Experimental study on texturability of filament yarns produced from recycled PET

In the present work, the texturability of filament yarns produced from recycled bottle grade polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) and new fiber grade PET (FG-PET) were investigated and compared experimentally. Yarn spun on a spin-draw spinning machine was draw-textured. Elongation at break in each fiber was set to reach 30 ± 5% in the texturing machine. The effect of the draw-texturing conditions on thermomechanical, structural, and crimp properties were examined. Draw-texturing behaviors of the fibers were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry and measurements of intrinsic viscosity, mechanical and crimp properties, density, and X-ray diffraction. The results indicate that crystallinity of the textured yarn from R- PET and FG-PET has increased compared to the semi-drawn yarns. Further, the lateral dimensions of the R-PET crystals are relatively well developed. Crimp properties show nearly similar response for two polymer yarns for the texturing process. It was found that R-PET can be the premier feed supply for the draw-texturing process and that filaments with appropriate confidence could be obtained from the R-PET.