Abstract:Mineral wool made from basalt fibers is frequently used as an insulating material in construction systems. In this study, both unused mineral wool and wool obtained from the softened roofing area were comprehensively analyzed in a laboratory using different characterization techniques. Firstly, the initial water content and compressive strength at 10% deformation were determined. Secondly, microstructure and surface chemical composition were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy d… Show more
“…Several small peaks were identified that confirm the presence of calcium (2.91%), magnesium (2.71%), sodium (2.29%), iron (2.07%), potassium (0.24%), titanium (0.24%), barium (0.07%), and cobalt (0.05%). Similar SEM-EDAX spectra for DMFM fiber and BF were reported by other researchers [52] , [53] . Fig.…”
“…Several small peaks were identified that confirm the presence of calcium (2.91%), magnesium (2.71%), sodium (2.29%), iron (2.07%), potassium (0.24%), titanium (0.24%), barium (0.07%), and cobalt (0.05%). Similar SEM-EDAX spectra for DMFM fiber and BF were reported by other researchers [52] , [53] . Fig.…”
“…These spectra are consistent with the ones from literature as microplastic 90 , 106 . Among these, an important class is that of fibreglass which includes different kind of plastic all of them characterized by Carbon (C), Oxygen (O), and Silicon (Si) 107 , 108 ( https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0530/ML053040493.pdf ) where the glass fibres are commonly added to reinforce plastic structures 109 , 110 . This specific kind of plastic is part of the components detected in the present study (Fig.…”
Understanding the impacts of microplastics on living organisms in aquatic habitats is one of the hottest research topics worldwide. Despite increased attention, investigating microplastics in underwater environments remains a problematic task, due to the ubiquitous occurrence of microplastic, its multiple modes of interactions with the biota, and to the diversity of the synthetic organic polymers composing microplastics in the field. Several studies on microplastics focused on marine invertebrates, but to date, the benthic sea slugs (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Heterobranchia) were not yet investigated. Sea slugs are known to live on the organisms on which they feed on or to snack while gliding over the sea floor, but also as users of exogenous molecules or materials not only for nutrition. Therefore, they may represent a potential biological model to explore new modes of transformation and/or management of plastic, so far considered to be a non-biodegradable polymer. In this study we analysed the stomachal content of Bursatella leachii, an aplysiid heterobranch living in the Mar Piccolo, a highly polluted coastal basin near Taranto, in the northern part of the Ionian Sea. Microplastics were found in the stomachs of all the six sampled specimens, and SEM/EDX analyses were carried out to characterize the plastic debris. The SEM images and EDX spectra gathered here should be regarded as a baseline reference database for future investigations on marine Heterobranchia and their interactions with microplastics.
“…Furthermore, as shown in our previous study, natural ageing under high humidity and thermal fluctuations can strongly influence the surface morphology and chemical composition of fibrous insulation material covered with plasticized PVC. 14 A probable reason for the deterioration of the insulation was the damaged waterproofing PVC membrane. To ensure a fully functional and repair-free lifetime of a building, the degradation and durability estimation of covering water-repellent PVC-P membranes must be considered.…”
In the present work, both unused plasticized poly(1-chloroethylene) membranes and membranes taken from a flat roof area were comprehensively analysed. First, tensile strength and elongation at breaking points were determined, followed by measurements of wettability. Secondly, morphological changes were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To study chemical changes in aged membranes, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis in the attenuated total reflection mode (ATR) was used. Finally, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC) were performed simultaneously to study thermal degradation. The results show obvious changes in the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of membranes caused by plasticizer loss. Surface microstructure becomes stiffer, which leads to contractions and the prevalence of voids. In cross-sectional area, average thickness values decrease. Due to the degradation of the plasticized waterproofing membranes, the roofing area had to be completely replaced.
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