Energy Potential of Natural, Synthetic Polymers and Waste Materials - A Review

Abstract

In this paper, the energy potential of natural (polysaccharides, lignin, etc.), and synthetic polymers (polyolefins, etc.), polymer materials (plant biomass, plastics and their solid waste), as well as combustible liquids and gases derived from them has been studied. To determine calorific values of solid, liquid and gaseous substances, various experimental and calculation methods were used. For this purpose, improved equations based on chemical structure and elemental analysis was proposed. It was shown that the conversion of solid materials into liquids or gases reduces the yield of thermal energy. Therefore for the production of thermal energy, it is more profitable to burn the solid biomass or plastic than combustible liquids and gases, derived from them. Studies have shown that lipids and lignin increase, whereas moisture and ash reduce the calorific value of biomass. The calorific value of most synthetic polymers and plastics is higher than that of biomass samples, but resources of waste plastics are about 10 times lower than these of biomass. The use of compacted mixture of biomass and plastic waste enables to obtain solid fuels with unique properties, such as increased calorific value and energy density, as well as reduced emission of carbon dioxide. Considering the total amount of biomass and plastics waste destined for combustion, it was calculated that current annual energy potential of the waste materials is about 145 EJ. The increase the share of biomass in the production of alternative energy can simultaneously contribute to reducing in greenhouse gas emission and improving the ecological state of the environment.

Upcycling of the Used Cigarette Butt Filters through Pyrolysis Process: Detailed Kinetic Mechanism with Bio-Char Characterization

“…Hence, in the above-indicated temperature region, the development of crystallinity in thermally treated CTA induced by plasticizer can be expected. The reaction step E → F within the consecutive sequence described by Equation (14), can be attributed to the isophase transitions of cellulose occurring below thermal decomposition temperature [ 81 ]. These transitions depend on the estimated glass transition temperature values.…”

“…The reaction step E → F within the consecutive sequence described by Equation (14), can be attributed to the isophase transitions of cellulose occurring below thermal decomposition temperature [ 81 ]. These transitions depend on the estimated glass transition temperature values.…”

Combustion Behavior of Cellulose Ester Fibrous Bundles from Used Cigarette Filters: Kinetic Analysis Study

“…Consequently, the development of crystallinity in the thermally treated cellulose derivative induced by a plasticizer can be expected [ 12 ]. Therefore, the reaction step G→H described by Equation (19) (see also Table 3 ) can be attributed to the isophase transitions of cellulose, occurring below the thermal degradation temperature [ 73 ] (pp. 1–100).…”

Tunable Physical Properties of Starch-Based Hydrogels Synthesized by Freeze-Thaw Technique

“…Synthetic polymers in synthesizing hydrogels have been extensively researched and implemented due to their desirable properties for various applications. Over time, synthetic polymers have harmed the environment, such as not being recyclable (Gowthaman et al 2021), causing water and sea pollution (Ioelovich 2018), and harmful effects on marine life (Ioelovich 2018). While if polymer waste is burned, it will cause air pollution due to increased heat energy (Ioelovich 2018), so an environmentally friendly alternative material is needed.…”

“…Over time, synthetic polymers have harmed the environment, such as not being recyclable (Gowthaman et al 2021), causing water and sea pollution (Ioelovich 2018), and harmful effects on marine life (Ioelovich 2018). While if polymer waste is burned, it will cause air pollution due to increased heat energy (Ioelovich 2018), so an environmentally friendly alternative material is needed. Synthesis of composite hydrogel based on starch (polysaccharide) is an effort to reduce the negative impact on the environment and improve starch utilization as a functional food.…”