Masks thermal degradation as an alternative of waste valorization on the COVID-19 pandemic: A kinetic study

Montero, Carolina; Tacuri, Roger; Solís, Hugo; De-La-Rosa, Andrés; Gordillo, Gilda; Granda, Pablo Alejandro Araujo

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13518

Cited by 2 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Upon analyzing the shredded mask residues (i.e., SMRs) through the lens of the FT-IR spectrum portrayed in Figure 4 , the chemical composition of each layer, predominantly characterized by polypropylene elements, becomes discernibly distinct [ 77 , 78 , 79 ]. The outer layer is imprinted with stretches around 2950 cm −1 , 2917 cm −1 , and 2876 cm −1 , likely corresponding to –CH 3 , –CH 2 , and –CH stretches, respectively.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Delving into the SMR’s TGA profile, as presented in Figure 7 , one discerns three salient stages of weight loss, reflective of its intricate multi-layered and multi-component construct [ 78 , 79 , 83 , 84 ]. The initial phase ( i ), spanning 36.02–364.95 °C, predominantly pertains to the evaporation of superficial moisture and the loss of volatile components embedded within the mask layers.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Nciri,

Kim

2023

Polymers

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When navigating the environmental exigencies precipitated by global pandemics, the escalation of mask waste presents a multifaceted dilemma. In this avant-garde research, we unveil a novel approach: harnessing the sterilized shredded mask residues (SMRs), predominantly composed of 100 wt. % polypropylene, as pioneering modifiers for asphalt. Distinct proportions of SMR (e.g., 3, 6, and 9 wt. %) were judiciously integrated with fresh–virgin base AP-5 asphalt and subjected to an extensive suite of state-of-the-art examinations, encompassing thin-layer chromatography-flame ionization detection (TLC-FID), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and specific rheological metrics. The TLC-FID diagnostic trajectories highlighted the nuanced rejuvenating influence of SMR on the binder, a facet reinforced by a pronounced elevation in the thermodynamic stability index (IC). The FT-IR spectra elucidated SMR’s preeminent role as a filler, negating notions of chemical reactivity. The TGA analyses unveiled an elevated thermal onset of degradation, signposting enhanced thermal resilience, whereas the DSC readings illuminated a superior thermal comportment at lower extremities. The SEM evaluations rendered a clearer panorama: there was heightened textural perturbation at escalated SMR incorporations, yet the 3 wt. % concoction showcased an optimal, coherent microtexture symbiosis with asphalt. The rheological scrutinies revealed a systematic trajectory: a diminishing penetration and ductility countered by ascending softening points and viscosity metrics. The coup de maître stemmed from the DSR analyses, unequivocally validating SMR’s unparalleled prowess in curtailing rutting distress. This seminal inquiry not only posits a blueprint for refined pavement longevity but also champions a sustainable countermeasure to pandemic-propelled waste, epitomizing the confluence of environmental prudence an d infrastructural fortitude.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Nciri,

Kim

2023

Polymers

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“…A change in Gibbs free energy reveals how far the system is from its thermodynamic equilibrium. The ΔG is estimated as 36 (19) where T m is the highest peak decomposition temperature, K B is Boltzmann constant, and h is the Planck's constant, which is equal to 6.626 × 10 −34 J s. Moreover, the frequency factor (A) is computed as 37 (20) The change in enthalpy and entropy of the system are evaluated from the following equations 38,39 (21) (22) ■ RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Thermal Analysis. The TGA technique is used to analyze the thermal properties of various waste plastics.…”

Section: ■ Materials and Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This apart, the thermo-kinetics of the enormous medical wastes generated during the COVID outbreak is limited to face masks. 22 However, one needs to comprehensively explore such personal protective kit waste as it is harmful for health and environment. Notably, there are multiple research efforts 10−21 reported on SWPs, but the thermo-kinetics of pyrolysis of actual MWPs collected from landfill sites need to be comprehensively explored.…”

Section: ■ Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, due to the widespread production, variety, and complexity of plastic wastes, single or a couple of representative components are typically pyrolyzed in the literature. − In contrast, the comprehensive understanding of complicated reaction mechanism in terms of kinetic and thermodynamic analyses and the pyrolysis process of real-world waste plastics, especially a mixture of different types of waste plastics, is rarely reported. This apart, the thermo-kinetics of the enormous medical wastes generated during the COVID outbreak is limited to face masks . However, one needs to comprehensively explore such personal protective kit waste as it is harmful for health and environment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Thermo-Kinetics of Chemical Recycling of Real-World Waste Plastics

Negi,

Dubey,

Palodkar

et al. 2023

ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng.

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An enormous amount of plastic waste is engendered diurnal, and its severe environmental impacts prompted the development of an apt recycling methodology. In this view, an environmentally friendly and commercially feasible way of utilizing waste plastics for producing useful products requires a comprehensive understanding of their thermal splintering. Therefore, we evaluate the kinetics and thermodynamics of the thermal breakdown (pyrolysis) of real-world waste plastics (majorly composed of polyolefins) like mixed waste plastics, packaging plastic bag waste, personal protective equipment kit waste, and milk pouch waste obtained from the local dumping sites. For this, these waste plastics are cracked at multiple heating rates of 5, 10, and 20 °C min −1 in an inert atmosphere. Besides, the thermogravimetric analyses and iso-conversional models are employed to evaluate the essential thermo-kinetics. The average activation energy of the concerned waste plastics samples ranges between 112.97 and 170.16 kJ mol −1 . Besides, the thermodynamic parameters like Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy lie in the ranges of 226.4 to 229.6, 113.3 to 163.7, and −0.085 to −0.14 kJ mol −1 , respectively, for the concerned waste plastic samples. The cracking kinetic analysis confirmed that the mixed waste plastics consume significantly higher energy than the other types of waste plastics to initiate the thermal breakdown reaction. Besides, the model of Flynn−Wall−Ozawa has closely predicted the experimental data than the models of Kissinger−Akahira−Sunose and Starink, due to its rigorousness. This thermo-kinetic investigation can contribute towards comprehensive understanding and utilization of waste plastics collected from actual dumping sites for optimizing the real-time reaction devices and producing useful petrochemical products like diesel, gasoline, benzene, toluene, and xylene in an eco-friendly and sustainable way.

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Masks thermal degradation as an alternative of waste valorization on the COVID-19 pandemic: A kinetic study

Cited by 2 publications

References 30 publications

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

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

Thermo-Kinetics of Chemical Recycling of Real-World Waste Plastics

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