Methyl Polymethacrylate - Pheophytins: An Alternative to the Paper Recycling Process

Abstract

The first large-scale paper recycling probably occurred during World War I. In the Second World War, paper recycling once again increased due to the need for materials. Nearly all kinds of papers are recyclable, such as cardboard, newsprint and magazines, manuals and booklets, and assorted office papers. Paper sheets which are not acceptable to recycling include brown and craft envelopes, carbon paper, paper towels, candy wrappers and pizza boxes. The paper recycling process involves a number of steps; including processing the paper waste into usable raw materials and using that raw material to produce new paper products. This work aimed to synthesize methyl polymethacrylate enriched with vegetable extract of Talinum triangulare (Talinaceae) materials, which presents pheophytins in its composition. This polymeric material was used as an input in the recycling of heat sensitive paper. The polymer was synthesized in aqueous medium with the addition of monomers methyl methacrylate and acrylic acid and as nonionic surfactant sodium lauryl ether sulfate, besides the pre emulsion formed with the plant extract. The recycling of thermosensitive paper involved water and the polymeric additive. The paper was cut into small pieces and water and acrylic polymer added. Then, the mixture was processed into domestic liquid and finally the paste was placed for drying at room temperature. The addition of polymers to the recycling process increased the hardness of the paper. In addition, recycled paper did not dissolve when placed in the presence of water, ethanol and kerosene, demonstrating high resistance to these solvents. Finally, the paper recycled with the addition of polymer-pheophytins, did not darken when exposed to artificial light.