Synthetic Waste Research Articles

Melt Spinnability Comparison of Mechanically and Chemically Recycled Polyamide 6 for Plastic Waste Reuse

With the increasing volume of synthetic fiber waste, interest in plastic reuse technologies has grown. To address this issue, physical and chemical recycling techniques for polyamide, a major component of textile waste, have been developed. This study investigates the remelting and reforming properties of four types of pristine and recycled polyamide 6, focusing on how the microstructural arrangement of recycled polyamides affects polymer fiber formation. DSC and FT-IR were used to determine the thermal properties and chemical composition of the reformed thin films. Differences in the elongation behavior of molten fibers during the spinning process were also observed, and the morphology of the resulting fibers was examined via SEM. Birefringence analysis revealed that the uniformity of the molecular structure greatly influenced differences in the re-fiberization process, suggesting that chemically recycled polyamide is the most suitable material for re-fiberization with its high structural similarity to pristine polyamide.

Optimizing Glass Foam Production from Recycled Sources: Influence of Variation in Cullet Color and Spent Alkaline Battery Components

Glass foams present a compelling opportunity for upcycling glass waste, offering a favorable combination of low weight, thermal insulation, and mechanical strength. Prior works demonstrated the feasibility of producing glass foams from glass waste and foaming agents sourced from synthetic textile waste, manganese oxides, and spent alkaline battery cathodes. This work explores the optimization of the process, investigating the impact of glass composition of differently colored glasses on final properties and incorporating entire alkaline batteries, encompassing both cathode and anode components. By carefully adjusting the composition, foaming agent content, and process temperature, customizable properties are achieved. Increasing foaming agent content or utilizing transparent glass improves insulation but lowers density and mechanical properties. Lowering foaming agent content or using brown/green glass enhances density and strength at the expense of insulation. Temperatures beyond 900 °C increase crystalline content, boosting mechanical performance without affecting density. This innovative approach not only offers a pathway to sustainable insulation materials but also underscores the potential for minimizing environmental impact through the efficient upcycling of glass waste.

The Use of Waste Synthetic Hair Fibre in Cement Mortar

Cement mortar has low tensile strength and fracture strain; therefore, fibres are used to reinforce cement mortar. Synthetic hair is one of the most neglected of all the residual wastes that cause environmental problems in many developing countries. Therefore, this study used waste synthetic hair fibre in cement mortar production as a way to reduce the environmental effect generated by waste, and also to enhance the strength of the mortar for construction application. The study aimed to investigate the properties of cement mortar reinforced with waste synthetic hair fibres. 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5% of synthetic hair fibre were used as a replacement for cement by weight in mortar. 100 × 100 × 100 mm cube, and 100mm diameter and 200mm length cylinder specimens were prepared, cured, and tested at ages 7, 14, and 28 days for tensile and compressive strengths, density, and water absorption. The highest compressive strength for the synthetic waste hair fibre reinforced mortar was 8.57N/mm2 as compared to 10.84N/mm2 achieved for the control at 28 days of curing. The synthetic waste hair fibre reinforced mortar achieved the highest tensile strength of 1.80N/mm2 as compared to 1.67N/mm2 achieved by the control at 28 days of curing, representing an increase of about 11% in tensile strength of the synthetic hair fibre reinforced mortar over the control. The highest density for the synthetic hair fibre reinforced mortar was 2114 kg/m3 as compared to the control of 2144 kg/m3. The lowest water absorption for the synthetic hair fibre reinforced mortar was 2.48% as compared to the control of 2.04%, respectively. It is concluded that the properties of cement mortar reinforced with waste synthetic hair fibres are acceptable for construction application and recommended that practitioners use 2.5% waste synthetic hair as a partial replacement for cement in producing mortar.

Optimization, purification and characterization of laccase from a new endophytic Trichoderma harzianum AUMC14897 isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica and its applications in dye decolorization and wastewater treatment.

Hazardous synthetic dye wastes have become a growing threat to the environment and public health. Fungal enzymes are eco-friendly, compatible and cost-effective approachfor diversity of applications. Therefore, this study aimed to screen, optimize fermentation conditions, and characterize laccase from fungal endophyte with elucidating its ability to decolorize several wastewater dyes. A new fungal endophyte capable of laccase-producing was firstly isolated from cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica and identified as T. harzianum AUMC14897 using ITS-rRNA sequencing analysis. Furthermore, the response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to optimize several fermentation parameters that increase laccase production. The isolated laccase was purified to 13.79-fold. GFC, SDS-PAGE revealed laccase molecular weight at 72kDa and zymogram analysis elucidated a single band without any isozymes. The peak activity of the pure laccase was detected at 50°C, pH 4.5, with thermal stability up to 50°C and half life span for 4h even after 24h retained 30% of its activity. The Km and Vmax values were 0.1mM, 22.22µmol/min and activation energy (Ea) equal to 5.71kcal/mol. Furthermore, the purified laccase effectively decolorized various synthetic and real wastewater dyes. Subsequently, the new endophytic strain produces high laccase activity that possesses a unique characteristic, it could be an appealing candidate for both environmental and industrial applications.

Repurposing discarded porphyrin waste as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), presently known as the key bottleneck in the mass-scale implementation of fuel cells (FCs), typically relies on the exploitation of scarce and expensive platinum group metals (PGMs). Meanwhile, as a substitute for PGMs, transition metal-nitrogen carbons (TM-Nx-C) are proving to be reliable electrocatalysts (ECs) in which atomically dispersed TMs coordinated with nitrogen are integrated into the carbon matrix. Such TM-Nx coordination already exists in metal-porphyrins making them suitable precursors for TM-Nx-C. Adler-Longo method is the standard recipe for meso‑tetraphenyl porphyrin realizes ca. 20 % yield whereas the residual polypyrromethenes, structurally resembling open porphyrin rings, are often wasted. Herein, the possibility of upcycling waste polypyrromethenes into efficient TM-Nx-C for ORR is demonstrated. A comprehensive structural and morphological characterization is provided, and the electrocatalytic activity towards ORR in an alkaline environment is discussed using Fe and Mn as TMs. The EC synthesized from pure porphyrin precursor at 600 °C (FeTPP_600) had the best performance recording 0.972 and 0.852 V vs RHE for Eonset and E1/2. Mixing porphyrins with their synthetic waste (ratio of 1:4) and pyrolyzing it at 800 °C (FeTPP/Waste(1:4)_800) still exhibits appreciable kinetics with similar results (0.977 and 0.853 V vs RHE for Eonset and E1/2).

Optimization of industrial-scale composting of dewatered pig slurry and olive mill waste using discarded tennis balls as an inert bulking agent

Material shortages in composting may pose limits or logistical problems in certain regions, which can be addressed with inert and reusable wastes. Very little research has been conducted on the subject of using alternative synthetic wastes as structuring agents to improve composting process parameters. The present work aimed to evaluate the use of used tennis balls (TB) as an inert bulking agent. Composting was carried out in an industrial composting plant with a ternary mixture of olive mill waste, the solid fraction of dewatered pig slurry, urban pruning residues, with the addition of TB as a synthetic bulking agent. Composting process parameters, monitored throughout the composting cycle, showed that TB significantly affected the thermal composting process parameters, with increases in operating temperatures, exothermic index, and mineralization of organic matter. Also, compost properties were seen to be of equal or superior quality at the end of the composting with addition of TB. These are the first experimental results testing the effect of a spherical synthetic reutilized product such as TB on composting processes, which was additionally carried out at an industrial scale, showing that using discarded materials such as used tennis balls can improve the efficiency and economy of composting.

Use of commercial synthetic filament waste to reinforce biobased poly(butylene succinate) with the aid of compatibilizers

Since poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) has low rigidity for engineering application, this research attempted to reinforce PBS with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and polyamide-6 (nylon6) filaments with the reservation of polymer toughness. Filaments were chopped to be short fibers (length of 2 mm to 4 mm) and melt compounded with PBS pellets in the weight ratio of 1 wt%, 5 wt%, and 7 wt% using a twin-screw extruder that the temperature profile was set high enough for melting only PBS matrix. Two types of compatibilizers; hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) or hexamethylene diamine (HMDA) of 0.05 wt% were used to treat fiber surface. It was found that tensile modulus of PBS increased with respect to fiber concentration, which untreated PET fibers provided higher tensile modulus about 2% to 7%. Surface treatment of fibers with either HMDI or HMDA increased rigidity of the composites, while elongation at break and impact strength were also improved with respect to fiber concentration. Also, shifting in glass transition temperature of PBS by DMA indicated improved interfacial interaction, which HMDA treatment gave the best benefit for mechanical properties. Number-average molecular weight of HMDI-treated composites was closed to extruded PBS, however, those of HMDA-treated composites were reduced dramatically implying chain scission highly occurred. SEM micrographs revealed good interfacial adhesion obtained after fiber treatment. Crystallization of PBS studied by XRD showed that the crystal form was not affected by the compatibilizer.

New MMO coatings for electro-refinery applications: Promoting the production of carboxylates

Within the new circular economy paradigm, this work evaluates the performance of tailored mixed metal oxides (MMO) anodes, based on ruthenium and antimony, for their application into an electrochemically-assisted organic refinery process. This process is designed to transform pollutants into value-added products with minimal mineralization. Oxidation of synthetic wastes consisting of phenol solutions was used to validate the electrochemical conversion of phenolic wastes into carboxylates, which are then considered as bricks to be used for electrosynthesis or to produce fuels. The MMO anodes were manufactured using two synthesis routes (Pechini method and ionic liquid method), each followed by one of three different heating treatments: furnace, microwave, and CO2 laser. The selection of the optimal electrode for the organic electrorefinery was based on a combination of physical and electrochemical properties, degradation performance of phenol to carboxylates, and long-term stability, looking for a truly sustainable solution. Results indicate that anodes synthesized by the ionic liquid (IL) method, regardless of the heating treatment, demonstrated superior performance, with larger active areas (with furnace 82 mC cm−2, microwave 97 mC cm−2, and laser 127 mC cm−2) and higher phenol degradation rates, resulting in a greater generation of carboxylates during electrolysis, yielding primarily oxalate and achieving up to 40% conversion with furnace heating. However, laser-treated anodes exhibited greater stability than furnace-made ones, attributed to the formation of an insulating TiO2 layer. Although the electrode with the longest service life did not show the best catalytic properties for minimizing mineralization, the observed variations in coatings with identical chemical compositions highlight the importance of this research. This study positions itself at the forefront of developing more efficient and sustainable electrochemical technologies for organic waste treatment.

Macroporous lignin adsorbents: A bio-sourced tool kit to defuse the Cr(VI) threat in wastewater

Amino-functionalised (triethylenetetramine) macroporous lignin monoliths were produced by curing an emulsion template containing untreated kraft black liquor with oxirane-crosslinkers. These lignin-based adsorbents were tested for the removal of Cr(VI) from water and synthetic waste water. A one-pot rout for their production is presented and their chemical and physical nature was investigated. Produced monoliths were tested in static and continuous adsorption experiments and chromium removal from water and synthetic wastewater was quantified via UV–vis spectroscopy. The nitrogen content of functionalised lignin monoliths reached up to 5.1 wt%, leading to adsorption capacities of up to 897 mg/g at pH = 2, as compared to non-functionalised lignin monoliths with a maximum adsorption capacity of 117 mg/g. The adsorption capacity of lignin monoliths produced is amongst the highest of bio-based materials presented in the literature.

Enhancement of Sustainable Recycling Systems for Industrial Waste in South Korea via Hazardous Characteristics Analysis

The South Korean government has implemented an acceptance system to promote the high-quality recycling of waste. Industrial waste generators must provide “hazardous characteristics data” to recycling operators. Nonetheless, ~80% of industrial safety accidents in South Korea occur during recycling, most involving fire or explosions. Moreover, a gap in safety management exists during ‘Circular Resource’ acceptance if the target substance is not regarded as waste. In this study collected data on hazardous waste characteristics. From 62 waste generators, 72 waste samples were collected, accounting for most of the resources accepted for recycling, including waste synthetic polymers, slag, dust, waste sand, and waste foundry sand. Then, the hazardous characteristics, as stated in the Ministry of Environment notifications, were assessed. Leaching toxicity was detected in one slag sample and six dust samples. The Cd, Cu, As, Pb, Zn, Ni, Hg, F, and CN levels dissatisfied the Soil Contamination Warning Standard in 31 samples. Explosivity was not detected in any sample, whereas flammability was detected in one waste synthetic polymer sample. The results revealed 15 cases of potential flammability. Flammability is legally defined as below the criteria if the combustion speed criterion is not met. However, in the case of flame ignition, which could cause large fires and safety accidents, the relevant notification should be revised. In this study, we aimed to improve the gap between the hazardous waste management systems and industrial fields through actual measurements of hazardous characteristics. By doing so, we seek to contribute to the prevention of environmental and safety accidents. By continuously accumulating data and utilizing actual measurements, we aim to revise and enhance relevant regulations, ultimately improving the hazardous characteristics of waste management systems.

Skrining Bakteri Lipolitik Pendegradasi Polystrene (PS) dari TPU Bonoloyo, TPS Makam Haji, dan Aliran Sungai Bengawan Solo

Waste is an environmental problem caused by the activities of living things. The synthetic waste group or what is often found in the form of plastic and the like is a group of waste that is very difficult to degrade. This can be overcome by using lipolytic bacteria. This research aims to analyze lipolytic bacteria which can be used to biodegrade plastic waste in the Bonoloyo TPU, Makam Haji TPS, and the Bengawan Solo river flow. This research uses quantitative descriptive methods. Screening for lipolytic bacteria degrading polystyrene (PS) showed that the highest population of lipolytic bacteria isolated from public burial places of 15.6 x 104. Meanwhile, lipolytic screening with the highest average clear zone formed was 0.641 cm which came from TPS 1, then average -The highest average lipolytic index came from SBS 2 with a figure of 1.6525 cm, the largest average colony diameter came from TPS 1 soil samples at 0.45 cm. The degradative nature of bacteria on plastic above shows that the Bengawan Solo river has microbes with the highest ability compared to microbes from TPS and TPU, namely 22.42%. The degradation between TPU, SBS, and TPS is significantly the same. PS degradation in Bonoloyo TPU shows significant physical changes.

The effects of water content on mineralogical and drainage quality dynamics in weathering mine waste rock

Water content plays a critical yet ambivalent role in the physical and geochemical stability of mine tailings and waste rock, but its effects on individual chemical weathering reactions (dissolution and precipitation) and bulk water quality remain poorly understood. We experimented with synthetic waste rock to quantitatively reconcile modal and textural mineralogical parameters (mineral size, association, and liberation) with leachate quality at different water saturation levels (5–100%). Leachate pH consistently decreased from a 13-week average of 6.14 at 100% saturation to 5.37 at 5% saturation. Simultaneously, mineralogical analyses revealed a reduction in the size of carbonate phases over the course of weathering, decreasing from 200 µm to 145 µm as water saturation increased from 5% to 100%, which could be a contributing factor to more alkaline pH in samples with higher water saturation. Total concentrations of iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) in solution increased with lower moisture, with Cu concentrations increasing 24-fold in samples at 5% saturation compared to full saturation. In contrast, arsenic (As) concentration increased with higher moisture levels, which we attribute to reduced galvanic protection of As-bearing pyrite from oxidation. Multivariate statistical evaluation allowed us to uncover correlations between water chemistry and mineralogical data (i.e., sulfide associations or phase perimeters) and to explain chemical differences between samples, particularly those at 100% and 5% water saturation. Our findings underscore the importance of conducting quantitative mineralogical investigations on mine waste materials and considering their stored water content in the formulation of mine waste management strategies.

Long-term performance of HDPE extrusion welds aged at 85°C in synthetic leachate

The effect of ageing at 85°C of extrusion welds of 1.5 mm-thick high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane, immersed in synthetic municipal solid waste leachate, is investigated with respect to its standard oxidative induction time (Std-OIT) and stress crack resistance (SCR). Results show that the heat-affected zones (HAZ) adjacent to the squeeze-out bead (flashing) may exhibit faster STD-OIT depletion than the sheet. Generally, individual weld SCR failure times were observed to be between that of the notched and unnotched sheet. Welds with high welding-induced geometric irregularities (WIGI), and overheated fusion and extrusion welds are shown to result in SCR failure times close to that of a notched sheet. The average time to nominal failure (taken to be when tNF = 250 h) of Cool and Good welding parameter combinations ranges between 3% and 15% shorter than the unnotched sheet. Differences in tNF were attributed to accelerated craze formation in welds with high WIGI from stress concentration. No significant difference was observed between the SCR values of fusion and extrusion welds during 40 months of immersion in MSW-L3. This paper shows that overgrind negatively impacts the SCR of welds and accelerates the degradation of SCR.

Endogenous Group‐Directed Late‐Stage C−H Functionalization of Peptides

AbstractPeptides are diverse in terms of their functional groups and side‐chain functionalities, and late‐stage C−H functionalization plays a crucial role in their design. Approaches for such synthesis require pre‐installation and post‐removal of the directing group (DG). In recent times, chemical methods have been developed, focusing on the external DG‐free C−H functionalization of peptides. These approaches utilize the inherent native functionality of peptides as DG to simplify synthetic routes, reducing synthetic steps, waste generation, enhancing sustainability, cost‐effectiveness, and operational flexibility. Such approaches facilitate late‐stage C−H functionalization of both natural and unnatural amino acid‐containing peptides.

Centrifuge modelling on seismic failure of MSW landfills with high water level

Landfill failure threatens the safety of surrounding cities and causes soil and water pollution. High water levels can usually spur landfill failure. With the presence of earthquake, landfill instability is triggered in a greater possibility. However, the dynamic response and failure mechanism of landfills with high water level subjected to earthquakes are not yet clearly understood, and relevant experimental studies are quite scarce. This study includes a series of seismic centrifuge tests to investigate the seismic response of the landfill at different water levels. An improved method is proposed to prepare synthetic municipal solid wastes (MSWs) with similar static-dynamic properties to the actual MSWs. The failure and evolution mechanism of landfills with high water levels induced by the earthquake is revealed. Significant transitions are observed in the dynamic response of deformation, acceleration, and pore-water pressure as the water level changes. With the rise of water level, the settlement at the top of the landfill decreases first and then increases, while the horizontal displacement at the toe increases slowly, followed by a sudden drop; the acceleration amplification coefficient in the middle of the landfill increases first and then decreases; the dynamic pore-water pressure gradually decreases from positive to negative, but oscillates at the moderate water level. Three failure criteria and a hydro-earthquake coupled failure limit are proposed to demonstrate the combined effect of water level and earthquake on landfill stability. The test results provide a basis to establish seismic failure standards for landfills with different water levels and guide the seismic instability design of landfills with high water level.

Mechanical properties of kevlar and jute fiber reinforced concrete

Concrete, due to its inherent brittleness, exhibits relatively low tensile strength. Fibers have been used extensively to improve their mechanical properties as they helped to reduce the crack width. Textile industries produce a lot of natural and synthetic fiber waste, which can be utilized to produce better-performing fiber-reinforced concrete. Therefore, in this study, a detailed experimental investigation has been carried out to study the compressive, tensile, and flexural properties of the Kevlar and jute fiber reinforced concrete. Concrete specimens with a mix design ratio of 1:1.43:1.89 and a water-cement ratio of 0.6 were cast. Jute fibers with lengths of 10 mm, 15 mm, and 25 mm and three different concentrations of 0.1%, 0.25%, and 0.5% by volume of concrete were used. In contrast, Kevlar fibers with lengths of 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm and three different concentrations of 1%, 1.5%, and 2.5% by volume of concrete were used. It was found that both Kevlar and Jute fibers contributed positively to- wards controlling the crack initiation and propagation, suggesting using fibers in concrete for enhanced mechanical properties and performance.

Activated Carbon from Mulu Bebe Stem Waste for Methylene Blue (MB) Adsorption

Methylene blue is a harmful synthetic dye waste component that poses a significant threat to the environment and human health if not disposed of properly. The best way to tackle this problem is by adsorption through activated carbon from Mulu Bebe banana stems, which are widely available in North Maluku. This agricultural waste can be used to produce activated carbon through pyrolysis at 500˚C for 30 minutes and activation using 0.5 M KOH solution for 24 hours. The activated carbon is then characterized using FTIR, SEM and XRD, which reveal the presence of various functional groups and pores. The XRD results indicate that the activated carbon structure tends to be amorphous. The adsorption analysis shows that the activated carbon from Mulu Bebe banana stems has a high adsorption capacity of 12.4 mg/g at the optimum condition of pH 7, contact time of 30 minutes, and initial concentration of 50 ppm. The Langmuir and Freundlich equations provide the best fit for the equilibrium adsorption data. By using activated carbon from Mulu Bebe banana stems, we can effectively reduce the amount of methylene blue waste in the environment and protect the ecosystem and human health.

Engineering a compostable isolation gown to reduce hospital-derived synthetic waste accumulation in landfill

The ever-increasing accumulation of synthetic waste in landfill is a growing pollution and public health concern. In 2018, hospitals in the United States landfilled 1.5 million tons of personal protective equipment (PPE). Single-use, disposable PPE gowns constitute the greatest percentage of landfilled PPE by weight and are overwhelmingly made from non-degradable synthetic materials. The most common and disposed of type of PPE gown are isolation gowns, which are used by healthcare workers attending patients under isolation precautions. One study has shown that under isolation procedures, healthcare systems will on average dispose of 33 gowns per patient per day as municipal waste, contributing a substantial amount of solid waste to landfills. Therefore, to alleviate the strain on landfills, a need exists for isolation gowns that do not contribute to the accumulation of synthetic waste. The approach taken in the present work to address this need was through the creation of a degradable textile from which to make isolation gowns. The prototype textile is a paper-based substrate with an ASTM D6400 certified compostable functional coating to grant the barrier properties necessary to prevent liquid penetration. The compostable, lightweight, coated paper product was tested in accordance with the ASTM F3352 Standard Specification for Isolation Gowns Intended for Use in Healthcare Facilities. The prototype exceeded the AATCC 42 and 127, and ASTM D5034, D5733, and D1683 standardized test requirements to be classified as a high-protection Level 3 isolation gown. As such, the prototype textile has been identified as a suitable material from which to create compostable isolation gowns.

The effectiveness of using a combination of eggshell waste and natural zeolite as an adsorbent for treating laundry waste

In Indonesia, the laundry industry is expanding extremely quickly. There are worries over the concentration of surfactants accumulated in the aquatic environment because the laundry industry has expanded into both large cities and rural regions, yet control over the disposal of laundry waste is still quite poor. In order to lessen surfactant waste in the aquatic environment, we must control laundry waste. Eggshells are not used to their full potential because of a lack of public understanding. In addition to figuring out the ideal composition of the optimum ratio of zeolite to eggshell that can lower detergent levels in laundry waste, this study attempts to ascertain how successful it is to combine chicken eggshells with active zeolite in decreasing laundry waste. In this investigation, two adsorbents were used as a treatment for synthetic laundry waste (LAS) and laundry waste. There are two iterations of each treatment. A 1: 50 ml sample of 1.0 g of adsorbent in 50 ml surfactant samples (laundry waste) was employed in this investigation. It then splits into five different treatments: Zeolite 1.0 g and chicken eggshell 0 g (A), zeolite 0.0 g and chicken eggshell 1 g (B). Chicken eggshell 0.3 g and 0.7 g of active zeolite (C), 0.5 g and 0.5 g of active zeolite (D), and 0.7 g and 0.3 g of active zeolite (E). The findings demonstrated that the detergent content decreased from 50.507 mg/L to P1 (A) 39.535 mg/L, P2 (B), 44.794 mg/L, P3 (C), 38.311 mg/L, P4 (D), 42.063 mg/L, and P5 (E) 37.396 mg/L. These results corresponded to an advisory capacity of A; 0.5484 mg/g, B; 0.2855 mg/g, C; 0.6095 mg/g, D; 0.4222 mg/g, and E; 0.6553 mg/g. The percentage efficiency of each treatment was determined to be 21.724%, B: 11.311%, C: 24.148%, D: 20.073%, and E: 25.959%. E saw the biggest drop, coming in at 37.396 mg/l. According to the study's findings, treating chicken eggshells has a 25.959% efficiency rate and an adsorption capacity of 0.6553 mg/g. The ideal mixture is 0.3 gr. of zeolite and 0.7 gr. of eggshell. Eggshell and natural zeolite are combined in the absorption process of LAS/SLS compounds, with a contact time of 30 minutes and a discharge rate of 8 ml/minute.

Biocomposite Based on Polylactic Acid and Rice Straw for Food Packaging Products.

Plastic containers, commonly produced from non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), raise significant environmental concerns due to their persistence. The disposal of agricultural waste, specifically rice straw (RS), through burning, further compounds these environmental issues. In response, this study explores the integration of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable material, with RS using a twin-screw extruder and injection process, resulting in the creation of a biodegradable packaging material. The inclusion of RS led to a decrease in the melt flow rate, thermal stability, and tensile strength, while concurrently enhancing the hydrophilic properties of the composite polymers. Additionally, the incorporation of maleic anhydride (MA) contributed to a reduction in the water absorption rate. The optimized formulation underwent migration testing and met the standards for food packaging products. Furthermore, no MA migration was detected from the composite. This approach not only provides a practical solution for the disposal of RS, but also serves as an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional synthetic plastic waste.