Polyethylene Terephthalate Polymer Research Articles

ANNbased prediction of the absorption characteristics of additive manufactured glycol‐modified polyethylene terephthalate nanocomposites reinforced with short‐carbon fibers and nanoclay fillers

AbstractIn this research work, an artificial neural network (ANN) based data driven prediction technique is proposed to evaluate the absorption characteristics of glycol‐modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) polymer nanocomposites reinforced with short carbon fibers (SCFs) and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanoclay (NC) fillers. The specimens are fabricated through additive manufacturing routine. The data points owing to the absorption of PETG nanocomposites are collected with the aid of the experimentation, which are then used to train the ANN model using Levenberg–Marquardt backward propagation algorithm. Different variants of PETG nanocomposites are prepared using various weight percentages of NC (1%, 3%, and 5%) and SCFs (5%, 10%, and 15%). The required filaments were prepared with the aid of compounding and extrusion processes. The specimens were printed using the fused deposition modeling technique. Further, the absorption behavior of these nanocomposites when exposed to distilled water, salt solution, and sugar solution has been experimentally studied following the ASTM D570 standard. The individual and combined effects of reinforcing OMMT‐NC and SCFs in the PETG matrix are also studied. The experimental results suggest that the absorption characteristics of PETG nanocomposites are significantly affected by the NC and SCFs reinforcements. The outcomes of this work will aid the design/material engineers in making a good trade‐off between the mechanical and absorption properties of the proposed PETG nanocomposites.

Catalytic depolymerization of waste polyethylene terephthalate plastic in supercritical ethanol by ZnO/γ-Al2O3 catalyst

In order to minimize the environmental impact from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste, catalytic depolymerization was employed to break down PET into useful diethyl terephthalate (DET) monomers. This research investigated the depolymerization of waste PET in supercritical ethanol (SCE) catalyzed by ZnO/γ-Al2O3 catalysts. The effect of the types of γ-Al2O3 (neutral and acidic) support, ZnO loading and catalyst dosage were studied. The catalytic efficiency of the catalysts was evaluated by the yield of DET obtained from the catalytic depolymerization of waste PET in SCE at 270 °C and 60 min reaction time. The results revealed that the highest DET yield of 92.2% could be obtained with 7.5 wt% ZnO supported on acidic γ-Al2O3 with catalyst dosage of 5% by weight of waste PET. NMR analysis indicated that the catalytic depolymerization process was complete since there were no PET polymer residues in the liquid. In addition, the ZnO/γ-Al2O3 catalyst also had good stability after five cycles of reuse, its catalytic activity was still satisfactory. The findings suggested that catalytic depolymerization in SCE is a promising alternative for converting waste PET into valuable materials.

First quantification and chemical characterization of atmospheric microplastics observed in Seoul, South Korea

This study is the first report on atmospheric microplastics (MPs) observed in five outdoor environments, including an urban forest, a business center, commercial areas, and a public transportation hub in Seoul, South Korea. Air samples were collected using an active air pump sampler for 24 h in each area only on days without rainfall. All observed microplastics are secondary microplastics, in the form of irregularly-shaped fragments or fibers produced through various degradation processes, rather than being primarily produced like microbeads. The abundance of atmospheric MPs varied depending on the environment (i.e., region, height, and time) from 0.33 to 1.21 MP m-3, with the average number of MPs being 0.72 MP m-3 (standard deviation ± 0.39). MPs in the urban forest was observed to be 27% lower in abundance than that in the urban center which is ∼3 km away. The central business district was observed to have a 25% higher abundance during weekdays than on weekends. Our results show the ubiquity of MPs in various areas from high-rise buildings to forests tens of kilometers away from their direct sources, and a positive correlation between the abundance of MP and human activity. Morphologically, the fragment type (87.4%) predominated over the fiber type (12.6%), and chemically, polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) components accounted for 65% of the total MP. PP polymers were found in all observation sites and contributed to 59% of the total MP fragments. The observed fibrous MPs were mainly composed of PET (72.7%) and PP (18.2%) polymers. Compared to other large cities (Shanghai, Beijing, Paris), Seoul is exposed to low levels of atmospheric MPs and high proportions of PP polymers. This study is limited to atmospheric MPs observed in summer and further investigation of MPs is needed to comprehensively understand the distribution and cycle of MPs based on long-term monitoring of atmospheric MPs.

Innovative reference materials for method validation in microplastic analysis including interlaboratory comparison exercises

Reference materials (RMs) are vital tools in the validation of methods used to detect environmental pollutants. Microplastics, a relatively new environmental pollutant, require a variety of complex approaches to address their presence in environmental samples. Both interlaboratory comparison (ILC) studies and RMs are essential to support the validation of methods used in microplastic analysis. Presented here are results of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) performed on two types of candidate microplastic RMs: dissolvable gelatin capsules and soda tablets. These RMs have been used to support numerous international ILC studies in recent years (2019–2022). Dissolvable capsules containing polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS), in different size fractions from 50 to 1000 µm, were produced for one ILC study, obtaining relative standard deviation (RSD) from 0 to 24%. The larger size fraction allowed for manual addition of particles to the capsules, yielding 0% error and 100% recovery during QA/QC. Dissolvable capsules were replaced by soda tablets in subsequent ILC studies and recovery test exercises because they were found to be a more reliable carrier for microplastic RMs. Batches of soda tablets were produced containing different single and multiple polymer mixtures, i.e., PE, PET, PS, PVC, polypropylene (PP), and polycarbonate (PC), with RSD ranging from 8 to 21%. Lastly, soda tablets consisting of a mixture of PE, PVC, and PS (125–355 µm) were produced and used for recovery testing during pretreatment of environmental samples. These had an RSD of 9%. Results showed that soda tablets and capsules containing microplastics >50 µm could be produced with sufficient precision for internal recovery tests and external ILC studies. Further work is required to optimize this method for smaller microplastics (< 50 µm) because variation was found to be too large during QA/QC. Nevertheless, this approach represents a valuable solution addressing many of the challenges associated with validating microplastic analytical methods.

Solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopic study of supercritical CO2 catalyzation treated polyethylene terephthalate textiles for platinum metallization

In this study, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) textiles were metallized with Pt via supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO2) catalyzation, using palladium(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate (Pd(hfac)2) as the Pd catalyst source. The effects of the treatments on the structural changes and molecular mobility of PET were elucidated by solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The carbonyl and nonprotonated aromatic carbons and the methylene and protonated aromatic carbons were analyzed from the NMR spectra using a three-component model (crystalline, rigid amorphous, and mobile amorphous components), which inferred that the PET polymer textile comprised one crystalline and two amorphous regions. Additionally, when Pd catalyzation was performed on the textile under sc-CO2 conditions, the crystalline peak of the carbonyl carbon exhibited a chemical shift into a higher magnetic field, and the spin–lattice relaxation time increased. These results implied that Pd could exist in the vicinity of the CO carbon. The X-ray diffraction studies also showed crystallinity of PET increased by sc-CO2 catalyzation, while sc-CO2 annealing without Pd(hfac)2 did not increase it. Therefore, Pt films were successfully coated on the PET via catalytic plating using sc-CO2. The catalyzation reduced the molecular mobility of the PET polymer, indicating the incorporation of the catalytic metal into the polymer chain. The carbonyl carbon peak simultaneously shifted to a higher field, implying that the catalytic Pd could approach the carbonyl groups. The detailed analysis of the structure and molecular mobility provides valuable information that can contribute to the development of novel conductive materials.

Characterization and compatibility of bio-based PA56/PET

Abstract The properties and compatibility of bio-based PA56 and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymers were studied in detail. The experimental results showed that when compared with PET, bio-based PA56 had better moisture absorption, softness, and dyeing characteristics. By calculating and analyzing the macromolecular structures of bio-based PA56 and PET, the difference in solubility was obtained as 4.18 Cal0.5·cm1.5·mol−1. Thermodynamic analysis showed that the measured change in mixing enthalpy far exceeds the range of the compatible system when the proportion of bio-based PA56 exceeded 15%. When the content of bio-based PA56 in PET exceeded 20%, the glass transition temperature of the blends with different proportions all had double peaks and the eutectic phenomenon was not observed. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the cross-section morphology of bio-based PA56/PET blends before and after etching. We found that the interface between the two phases was clear and a “sea-island” dispersed structure was formed. The results of the analysis indicated that the compatibility of the bio-based PA56 and PET was not good.

A novel synthesis of light transmission from upcycled polyethylene terephthalate polymer and low-density polyethylene for greenhouse design in tropical climate

Abstract To support the circular economy in Thai’s agriculture, the main interviewed challenges point to knowledge and knowhow for greenhouse structure and system boosting up productivities. One popular material that possibly affected productivity is transparent polymer film, which can be recycled based on material property and blowing machine condition. This paper investigates the light transmittance performance of transparent polyethylene terephthalate polymer (PET) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) sheets for use in low-energy greenhouses in tropical climates. The aim of the study is to optimize the thermal performance and light transmittance of these materials to support plant growth and human comfort. The study focuses on seven stages of plant growth, each of which requires different light characteristics including 1) seed, 2) germinating, 3) young seedling, 4) older vine, 5) flowering, 6) fruit bearing and 7) harvesting and drying. Each stage requires different light characteristics, e.g. light intensity, red light, blue light, white light and ultraviolet (UV) and pulsed light (PL). The methodology involves selecting PET and LDPE materials, preparing samples for thermal property and lighting laboratory tests and analysing the results based on suitable criteria. The findings show that LDPE sheets have 28.78% lower light transmittance than PET sheets, making them suitable for supporting the seedling stage and older vines of plant growth. PET sheets, on the other hand, deliver a high intensity of red light, making them suitable for stimulating photosynthesis in older vines and during the harvesting process. The study highlights the importance of considering both thermal performance and light transmittance when selecting materials for low-energy greenhouses in tropical climates.

Active-site electronic properties and conformational dynamics of pet-degrading enzymes.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used plastic polymers in the world. PET waste leads to the creation of micro- and nanosized plastic particles that have been linked to cell damage and inflammation in humans. Despite this worldwide environmental and health threat, accumulation of PET waste increases yearly because the main PET recycling method (thermomechanical) results in loss of its desired mechanical properties, which limits recycling. Reports of PET-degrading enzymes converting PET polymer into its molecular building blocks fuel circular economy concepts and a need to optimize these enzymes to achieve higher turnover rates for industrial applications. Here, we study PETase and MHETase from I. sakaiensis using molecular dynamics simulations with the Drude polarizable force field (Drude-2019). Parameters were developed to describe electronic features of PET polymer and its derived monomers, allowing us to study both enzymes in their bound and unbound forms. We found that the overall active site architecture in both PETase and MHETase is sensitive to the presence of substrate, suggesting a possible optimization target. Network analysis of enzyme dynamics suggests key residues that maintain binding site architecture. Moreover, dipole-dipole responses of PETase and MHETase binding site residues were also analyzed as a function of substrate binding. In addition, electronic properties of PET monomers were studied in multiple solvents with different dielectric properties to better understand the substrate polarization when bound to the enzyme. Electric field calculations allowed us to show how PETase and MHETase organize a electric fields that facilitate to catalysis. Overall, these results elucidate the interplay between electronic properties of PET-degrading enzymes and their conformational dynamics, opening new avenues for enzyme engineering efforts.

Identification, Abundance, and Distribution of Microplastics in Surface Water Collected from Luruaco Lake, Low Basin Magdalena River, Colombia

There are few studies on microplastic (MP) contamination in Colombia, and little is known about its impacts on continental aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluated, for the first time, the identification, abundance, and distribution of MP particles in the surface water of Luruaco Lake, in the low basin of the Magdalena River, Colombia, included in national programs in marine sciences and hydrobiological resources. Six stations and four samplings were established in the dry and rainy seasons. A total of 72 water samples were collected for microplastic extraction using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) digestion, density separation with sodium chloride solution (NaCl), and filtration. The abundance of MPs ranged from 0 to 3.83 MPs·L−1, with an average of 1.90 MPs·L−1 in the rainy season and 0.25 MPs·L−1 in the dry season. According to the calculated coefficient of microplastics impact, the contamination in the surface water of Luruaco Lake is “maximum” to “extreme” for fibers with an average length of 2.05 mm and “minimum” to “average” for fragments that are 0.35 mm in size on average. Polyester (PES, 57.9%), polystyrene (PS, 47.0%), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 35.3%) polymers were more abundant in surface water. The temporal variation of the MPs indicates contamination related to the discharges of the tributary streams to the lake in the rainy season.

Fabrication and Characterization of Electrospun Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate Blended with Chitosan: A Potential Single-Use Material

Textile single-use products are dominantly used for hygiene and personal care, many of which are non-biodegradable and are frequently discarded into sewerage systems, thus causing blockages. Thus, there is a need to move towards water-soluble textiles. This research study focuses on transforming or repurposing biomass material and synthetic reusable waste plastic materials to improve waste. Chitosan (CS) nanofibers could be used in single-use nonwoven fabric or biodegradable tissues, as the water-soluble properties of chitosan nanofibers make them the perfect material for single-use applications. Furthermore, CS was blended with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer and PET-based waste plastic (CS-WPET) to slow the CS nanofibers' water degradability and strengthen the durability of the nanofiber which could be used as air filters. The CS-TFA and CS-TFA/DCM nanofiber diameters were 95.58 ± 39.28 nm or 907.94 ± 290.18 nm, respectively, as measured from the HRSEM images. The CS-PET and CS-WPET hybrid nanofibers had fiber diameters of 246.13 ± 96.36 or 58.99 ± 20.40 nm, respectively. The thermal durability of the nanofibers was tested by TGA, which showed that CS-TFA/DCM nanofibers had sufficient thermal stability up to 150 °C, making them suitable for filter or fabric use at moderate temperatures. The blended nanofibers (CS-PET and CS-WPET) were thermally stable up to 160 °C. In the aqueous medium stability test, CS-PET and CS-WPET hybrid nanofibers had a slower degradation rate and were easily dissolved, while the CS nanofibers were rapidly and completely dissolved in an aqueous medium. Blending waste PET with CS allows it to be recycled into a useful single-use, non-woven textile, with greater water solubility than unmodified PET nanofibers but more durability than CS nanofibers on their own.

Effects of polymer polarity on the interface interaction of polymer/liquid metal composites.

Soft polymer/liquid metal (LM) composites have attracted considerable interest in flexible electronic energy fields. Interface interaction is a key issue that limits the improvement of their electrical performances and energy density. This paper investigates the influence of the polymer polarity on the interface interaction of composites. Four polymer matrixes-polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE-CFE)) were used. It was found that the order of interaction obeyed the order of the polymer polarity: PP/LM < PET/LM < PVDF/LM ≤ (P(VDF-TrFE-CFE))/LM. The increase in polymer polarity significantly promotes the dipole-dipole interaction between polar groups of polymers and the oxide shell of the LM. The best high-polarity PVDF/LM composites display good interface interaction to suppress the dielectric loss, facilitating the PVDF/LM films to exhibit increased capacitive storage density (+44%, 1.68 J cm-3) without degrading the energy efficiency (80%). Our findings will guide researchers to design and choose matrix materials for achieving more improved performance of LM devices.

Catalytic Pyrolysis of PET Polymer Using Nonisothermal Thermogravimetric Analysis Data: Kinetics and Artificial Neural Networks Studies.

This paper presents the catalytic pyrolysis of a constant-composition mixture of zeolite β and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) at different heating rates (2, 5, 10, and 20 K/min). The thermograms showed only one main reaction and shifted to higher temperatures with increasing heating rate. In addition, at constant heating rate, they moved to lower temperatures of pure PET pyrolysis when a catalyst was added. Four isoconversional models, namely, Kissinger−Akahira−Sunose (KAS), Friedman, Flynn−Wall−Qzawa (FWO), and Starink, were applied to obtain the activation energy (Ea). Values of Ea acquired by these models were very close to each other with average value of Ea = 154.0 kJ/mol, which was much lower than that for pure PET pyrolysis. The Coats−Redfern and Criado methods were employed to set the most convenient solid-state reaction mechanism. These methods revealed that the experimental data matched those obtained by different mechanisms depending on the heating rate. Values of Ea obtained by these two models were within the average values of 157 kJ/mol. An artificial neural network (ANN) was utilized to predict the remaining weight fraction using two input variables (temperature and heating rate). The results proved that ANN could predict the experimental value very efficiently (R2 > 0.999) even with new data.

Precisely Constructed Metal Sulfides with Localized Single-Atom Rhodium for Photocatalytic C-H Activation and Direct Methanol Coupling to Ethylene Glycol.

Although there are many studies on photocatalytic environmental remediation, hydrogen evolution, and chemical transformations, less success has been achieved for the synthesis of industrially important and largely demanded bulk chemicals using semiconductor photocatalysis, which holds great potential to drive unique chemical reactions that are difficult to implement by the conventional heterogeneous catalysis. The performance of semiconductors used for photochemical synthesis is, however, usually unsatisfactory due to limited efficiencies in light harvesting, charge-carrier separation, and surface reactions. The precise construction of heterogeneous photocatalysts to facilitate these processes is an attractive but challenging goal. Here, single-atom rhodium-doped metal sulfide nanorods composed of alternately stacked wurtzite/zinc-blende segments are successfully designed and fabricated, which demonstrate record-breaking efficiencies for visible light-driven preferential activation of C-H bond in methanol to form ethylene glycol (EG), a key bulk chemical used for the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer. The wurtzite/zinc-blende heterojunctions lined regularly in one dimension accelerate the charge-carrier separation and migration. Single-atom rhodium selectively deposited onto the wurtzite segment with photogenerated holes accumulated facilitates methanol adsorption and C-H activation. The present work paves the way to harnessing photocatalysis for bulk chemical synthesis with structure-defined semiconductors.

Analysis of the physical, mechanical and morphological properties of polyethylene terephthalate polymer in the manufacture of dentistry prosthetic components

Analysis of the physical, mechanical and morphological properties of polyethylene terephthalate polymer in the manufacture of dentistry prosthetic components

Fate of microplastics during composting and their leachability

The occurrence of chemical compounds specific to individual plastic polymers allowed the determination of components in compost feedstock (urban greenery and bio bins of households). The total concentration of plastic polymers is 431 mg/kg. The main identified polymers are polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polycarbonate, and polypropylene. Additives used to modify the properties of plastics are present in the concentration of 195 mg/kg. Twelve compounds used as additives in the production of plastics in both the feedstock and the compost were identified. A statistically significant relationship was found between the decrease of concentration of organic matter and concentrations of compounds that identify plastic polymers (polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene). The decrease of concentrations of compounds specific to polymers after three months was observed in the range between 33 and 84%, while the decrease for additives was 68%. After 18 months, the loss was higher than 82% except for polypropylene (only 70%). Compound leachability after three months of composting decreased to one-quarter for most polymers (except polypropylene and polyethylene), and to one-third for additives.

Spatial and seasonal distribution of microplastic in surface water of Bueng Boraphet Wetland-a Ramsar wetland in Thailand.

This study sought to assess microplastic contamination in the surface water of the inland freshwater wetland, Bueng Boraphet Wetland, Thailand, which is a lentic system with various land-use patterns, including community areas, agricultural areas, and natural resource conservation areas. In 2019, water samples were collected during the wet and dry periods from the three land-use zones at depths of 0-30cm using a plankton net with 333µm in mesh size. The water samples were digested via a wet peroxide oxidation process prior to the identification of microplastic morphology using a stereomicroscope. The polymer types of microplastic were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry. Microplastic was found to range from 0.00 to 4.61 particles/m2 (0.34 ± 0.81 particles/m2) or 0.0 to 19.57 particles/m3 (1.44 ± 3.4 particles/m3). Furthermore, significantly high amounts of microplastics were found in samples from the community area. No microplastic was detected in the sample from the natural resource conservation area. The quantity of microplastic did not significantly differ between the sampling periods. Polymer types, including polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate, were identified in this study. The microplastics were predominantly small and were colored black or red. Microplastic with a fiber shape (93.8%) was observed. Besides the specific gravity of the microplastic and hydrological characteristics, the high concentration of microplastics found in samples from the community area (0.62 ± 0.79 particles/m2 or 2.63 ± 3.36 particles/m3) is likely related to the high human pressure. As microplastic contamination can impact aquatic animals and wetland ecosystems, appropriate control measures for human activities and plastic waste management are required.

A Study on Over-Molded Copper-Based Flexible Electronic Circuits.

Over-molding has been proposed in recent years as an integrated functional flexible circuit board in a plastic part. This method uses the conventional process for film insert technology. Over-molding has attracted significant attention across many industries due to its potential to deliver different electrical functions in a variety of different part geometries, especially in automotive interiors and home appliances. While it has great application potential, manufacturing challenges continue throughout foil fabrication and injection molding. This raises challenges for designers and researchers responsible for maintaining the reliability of such electronic flexible circuits. Therefore, the purpose of this research paper is to improve some of the over-molding process parameters. On 0805 and 1206 over-molded zero-ohm resistors, electrical, mechanical, and failure characterization was performed. Those components were mounted in parallel, perpendicular, and 45° angled arrangements on two different polymer substrates, polyimide (PI) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using lead-free solder, low-melt solder, and conductive adhesive paste. Moreover, as an over-molding material, polycarbonate (PC) with medium viscosity was used. The effect of using different mold shapes (corner mold, 2 mm flat mold, and 3 mm flat mold) and injection molding process parameters (injection speeds and melt temperature) was studied.

Modelling sustainable transparent metasurfaces for tunable near infrared reflectance

Transparent conducting oxide (TCO) nanodisk metasurfaces on polymer substrates were modelled for high visible transmittance (400–750 nm) of more than 97%. An increase in the nanodisk diameter tuned the resonant wavelength between 840 and 1200 nm based on the transparent oxide material and the plasmonic metasurface geometry. The optical properties of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer substrates were imported for simulating the reflectance, transmittance and near field distributions for a TiO2/Ag/TiO2 metasurface. A high reflectance of 92.33% was observed for a specific three tier titanium dioxide (TiO2)/silver (Ag)/TiO2 geometry at a resonant wavelength of 1130.6 nm. High electric field localisation was exhibited at the resonant wavelength, which was compared at three interfaces, TiO2-air, TiO2-Ag and TiO2-polymer, for varying nanodisk diameters. A red shift in the resonant wavelength was recorded with a change in polymer substrate and nanodisk geometry. The use of fully recyclable polymers and the long-lasting nature of TiO2 can be beneficial for the fabrication of sustainable heat reflective films or coatings.

Thermal and Mechanical Characterization of the New Functional Composites Used for 3D Printing of Static Mixers.

This paper investigates the possibility of integrating the combination of nanofillers, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) into the thermoplastic polymer matrix. This combination of fillers can possibly modify the physico-chemical properties of composites compared to the pure polymer matrix. The composites were blended using the extrusion method. The composite filament produced was used to manufacture static mixers on a 3D printer using the additive manufacturing technology fused filament fabrication (FFF). The aim of this work was to inspect the influence of the filler addition on the thermal and mechanical properties of glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PET-G) polymer composites. The fillers were added to the PET-G polymer matrix in several ratios. Tensile test results showed an increase in the overall strength and decrease in the elongation at break of the material. Melt flow rate (MFR) showed a decrease in the viscosity with the initial filler addition and reaching a plateau after 2 wt% filler was added. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed minor changes in the thermal properties. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed homogenous distribution of the filler in the matrix and strong filler–matrix adhesion. The results indicate suitable properties of new functional composites for the 3D printing of static mixers for application in tubular reactors.

Evaluation of the polyethylene terephthalate polymer as a modifier of asphalt binder

Evaluation of the polyethylene terephthalate polymer as a modifier of asphalt binder