Disposal and resource utilization of waste masks: a review

Abstract

Waste masks pose a serious threat to the environment, including marine plastic pollution and soil pollution risks caused by landfills since the outbreak of COVID-19. Currently, numerous effective methods regarding disposal and resource utilization of waste masks have been reported, containing physical, thermochemical, and solvent-based technologies. As for physical technologies, the mechanical properties of the mask-based materials could be enhanced and the conductivity or antibacterial activity was endowed by adding natural fibers or inorganic nanoparticles. Regarding thermochemical technologies, catalytic pyrolysis could yield considerable hydrogen, which is an eco-friendly resource, and would mitigate the energy crisis. Noticeably, the solvent-based technology, as a more convenient and efficient method, was also considered in this paper. In this way, soaking the mask directly in a specific chemical reagent changes the original structure of polypropylene and obtains multi-functional materials. The solvent-based technology is promising in the future with the researches of sustainable and universally applicable reagents. This review could provide guidance for utilizing resources of waste masks and address the issues of plastic pollution.

Infrastructure in the Age of Pandemics: Utilizing Polypropylene-Based Mask Waste for Durable and Sustainable Road Pavements

“…%. The data from Figure 11 indicated a discernible and consistent elevation in the softening point with increased fractions of SMR, a trend that aligns with outcomes previously chronicled in the literature [ 98 , 99 , 100 ]. Specifically, the softening point rose from 47.90 ± 0.11 °C for the pristine AP-5 binder to 57.85 ± 0.05 °C for the variant with 9 wt.…”

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“…Several researchers have shown that the addition of mask fibers could improve the strength and endurance of asphalt, pavement, and even concrete. 8,9 As an alternative, sterilizing face masks for reuse through heating is proven to be effective in killing pathogens and results in minimal reduction in particle filtration efficiency (PFE). 10,11 However, even though this solution is environment-friendly, standardization and ethical concerns may be an issue.…”

Modification of discarded polypropylene mask and its utilization as crude oil flow improver

“…Currently, the most common methods for handling discarded masks include incineration and landfill disposal together with mixed discarded. 3,4 The incineration process inevitably generates fly ash and bottom ash, resulting in a significant release of CO 2 , which contradicts the global goals of achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. 5 In addition, the significant influx of discarded masks containing plastic fibers into rivers and oceans has resulted in marine life, birds, and other animals being tangled in the plastic strings of the masks, which causes suffocation and eventual death.…”

“…However, as a type of plastic, masks also possess pollution characteristics that are difficult to degrade. Currently, the most common methods for handling discarded masks include incineration and landfill disposal together with mixed discarded 3,4 . The incineration process inevitably generates fly ash and bottom ash, resulting in a significant release of CO 2 , which contradicts the global goals of achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality 5 .…”