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Rasilainen I, Lahtela V, Kärki T. A review of plastic waste nanocomposites: assessment of features and applications. DISCOVER NANO 2024; 19:112. [PMID: 38970729 PMCID: PMC11227482 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-024-04062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Hundreds of millions of metric tons of plastic waste are generated globally every year. Processing waste into secondary raw material is preferred over energy production and landfilling. However, mechanical recycling generally deteriorates the properties of plastic waste limiting its range of potential applications. Nanocomposite fabrication is a solution to recycle plastic waste into value-added applications due to improved properties generated by nanomaterial reinforcement, however received little study. The aim of this review is to present the current status, identify research gaps and provide topics for further research of polymer nanocomposites prepared from plastic waste in respect to utilized materials, processing methods, enhanced properties, sustainability, economics, nanomaterial safety, and applications. It is found that morphological, mechanical, thermal, flame retardancy, physical, barrier, electrical and shielding properties of plastic waste can be enhanced with low loadings of different nanomaterials making them promising materials for various applications including electronic, shielding, thermal, packaging, filtration, and water treatment. Utilization of plastic waste instead of virgin polymers can be beneficial in respect to economics and sustainability, but the energy intensive and expensive production of the most nanomaterials, and the plastic waste pretreatment methods can negate these benefits. To enhance sustainability, further research should be conducted on utilization of energy friendly nanomaterials in plastic waste nanocomposites. Further research is needed also on polymer nanocomposite safety because of the unknow composition of the plastic waste and the potential for nanomaterial release during nanocomposite's life cycle. All in all, further research and national regulations and guidance are needed on virgin polymer and plastic waste nanocomposites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Rasilainen
- Fiber Composite Laboratory, LUT School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53851, Lappeenranta, Finland.
| | - Ville Lahtela
- SCI-MAT Research Platform & Fiber Composite Laboratory, LUT School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53851, Lappeenranta, Finland
| | - Timo Kärki
- Fiber Composite Laboratory, LUT School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53851, Lappeenranta, Finland
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2
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Velásquez E, Patiño Vidal C, Copello G, López de Dicastillo C, Pérez CJ, Guarda A, Galotto MJ. Developing Post-Consumer Recycled Flexible Polypropylene and Fumed Silica-Based Nanocomposites with Improved Processability and Thermal Stability. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15051142. [PMID: 36904386 PMCID: PMC10007108 DOI: 10.3390/polym15051142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Collection and mechanical recycling of post-consumer flexible polypropylene packaging is limited, principally due to polypropylene being very light-weight. Moreover, service life and thermal-mechanical reprocessing degrade PP and change its thermal and rheological properties according to the structure and provenance of recycled PP. This work determined the effect of incorporating two fumed nanosilica (NS) types on processability improvement of post-consumer recycled flexible polypropylene (PCPP) through ATR-FTIR, TGA, DSC, MFI and rheological analysis. Presence of trace polyethylene in the collected PCPP increased the thermal stability of the PP and was significantly maximized by NS addition. The onset decomposition temperature raised around 15 °C when 4 and 2 wt% of a non-treated and organically modified NS were used, respectively. NS acted as a nucleating agent and increased the crystallinity of the polymer, but the crystallization and melting temperatures were not affected. The processability of the nanocomposites was improved, observed as an increase in viscosity, storage and loss moduli with respect to the control PCPP, which were deteriorated due to chain scission during recycling. The highest recovery in viscosity and reduction in MFI were found for the hydrophilic NS due to a greater impact of hydrogen bond interactions between the silanol groups of this NS and the oxidized groups of the PCPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliezer Velásquez
- Packaging Innovation Center (LABEN-Chile), University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile
- Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), University of Santiago of Chile, Santiago 9170124, Chile
- Correspondence:
| | - Cristian Patiño Vidal
- Packaging Innovation Center (LABEN-Chile), University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile
- Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), University of Santiago of Chile, Santiago 9170124, Chile
| | - Guillermo Copello
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina
- Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina
| | - Carol López de Dicastillo
- Packaging Laboratory, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - C. J. Pérez
- Institute of Materials Science and Technology (INTEMA), National University of Mar del Plata-National Research Council (CONICET), Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina
| | - Abel Guarda
- Packaging Innovation Center (LABEN-Chile), University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile
- Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), University of Santiago of Chile, Santiago 9170124, Chile
- Food Science and Technology Department, Technological Faculty, University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile
| | - María José Galotto
- Packaging Innovation Center (LABEN-Chile), University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile
- Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), University of Santiago of Chile, Santiago 9170124, Chile
- Food Science and Technology Department, Technological Faculty, University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile
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Velásquez E, López de Dicastillo C, Patiño Vidal C, Copello G, Reyes C, Guarda A, Galotto MJ. Feasibility of Valorization of Post-Consumer Recycled Flexible Polypropylene by Adding Fumed Nanosilica for Its Potential Use in Food Packaging toward Sustainability. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15051081. [PMID: 36904321 PMCID: PMC10005770 DOI: 10.3390/polym15051081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The food industry has a current challenge of increasing the recycling of post-consumer plastics to reduce plastic waste towards a circular economy, especially flexible polypropylene, which is highly demanded in food packaging. However, recycling post-consumer plastics is limited because service life and reprocessing degrade their physical-mechanical properties and modify the migration of components from the recycled material to the food. This research evaluated the feasibility of valorization of post-consumer recycled flexible polypropylene (PCPP) by incorporating fumed nanosilica (NS). For this purpose, the effect of concentration and type (hydrophilic and hydrophobic) of NS on the morphological, mechanical, sealing, barrier and overall migration properties of PCPP films was studied. Incorporating NS improved Young's modulus and, more significantly, tensile strength at 0.5 wt% and 1 wt%, where a better particle dispersion was confirmed by EDS-SEM, but it diminished elongation at breakage of the films. Interestingly, NS tended to increase the seal strength of PCPP nanocomposite films more significantly at higher NS content, showing a seal failure of the adhesive peel type which is preferred for flexible packaging. NS at 1 wt% did not affect the water vapor and oxygen permeabilities of the films. Overall migration of PCPP and nanocomposites exceeded the limit value of 10 mg dm-2 allowed by European legislation at the studied concentrations of 1% and 4 wt%. Nonetheless, NS reduced the overall migration of PCPP from 17.3 to 15 mg dm-2 in all nanocomposites. In conclusion, PCPP with 1 wt% of hydrophobic NS presented an improved overall performance of the studied packaging properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliezer Velásquez
- Packaging Innovation Center (LABEN-Chile), University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile
- Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), University of Santiago of Chile, Santiago 9170124, Chile
- Correspondence:
| | - Carol López de Dicastillo
- Packaging Laboratory, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Cristian Patiño Vidal
- Packaging Innovation Center (LABEN-Chile), University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile
- Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), University of Santiago of Chile, Santiago 9170124, Chile
| | - Guillermo Copello
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Junín 956, Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina
- CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), Junín 956, Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina
| | - Cristopher Reyes
- Packaging Innovation Center (LABEN-Chile), University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile
| | - Abel Guarda
- Packaging Innovation Center (LABEN-Chile), University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile
- Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), University of Santiago of Chile, Santiago 9170124, Chile
- Food Science and Technology Department, Technological Faculty, University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile
| | - María José Galotto
- Packaging Innovation Center (LABEN-Chile), University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile
- Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), University of Santiago of Chile, Santiago 9170124, Chile
- Food Science and Technology Department, Technological Faculty, University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile
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Perera KY, Hopkins M, Jaiswal AK, Jaiswal S. Nanoclays-containing bio-based packaging materials: properties, applications, safety, and regulatory issues. JOURNAL OF NANOSTRUCTURE IN CHEMISTRY 2023; 14:1-23. [PMID: 36747507 PMCID: PMC9893189 DOI: 10.1007/s40097-023-00525-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Food packaging is an important concept for consumer satisfaction and the increased shelf life of food products. The introduction of novel food packaging materials has become an emerging trend in recent years, which could be mainly due to environmental pollution caused by plastic packaging and to reduce food waste. Recently, numerous studies have been carried out on nanoclays or nanolayered silicate to be used in packaging material development as reinforcing filler composites. Different types of nanoclays have been used as food packaging materials, while montmorillonite (MMT), halloysite, bentonite (BT), Cloisite, and organically modified nanoclays have become of great interest. The incorporation of nanoclays into the packaging matrix improves the mechanical and barrier properties and at the same time prolongs the biodegradation of the packaging material. The purpose of this article is to examine the development of nanoclay-based food packaging materials. The review article highlights the current state of research on bio-based polymers with nanoclay for food packaging. In addition, the report analyses the mechanical, barrier, and antibacterial characteristics of nanoclay-based food packaging materials. Finally, it discusses the migration of nanoclays, toxicity levels, and the legislation associated with the application of nanoclays. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpani Y. Perera
- School of Food Science and Environmental Health, College of Sciences and Health, Technological University Dublin-City Campus, Central Quad, Grangegorman, Dublin, D07 ADY7 Ireland
- Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute, Technological University Dublin-City Campus, Grangegorman, Dublin, D07 H6K8 Ireland
| | - Maille Hopkins
- School of Food Science and Environmental Health, College of Sciences and Health, Technological University Dublin-City Campus, Central Quad, Grangegorman, Dublin, D07 ADY7 Ireland
| | - Amit K. Jaiswal
- School of Food Science and Environmental Health, College of Sciences and Health, Technological University Dublin-City Campus, Central Quad, Grangegorman, Dublin, D07 ADY7 Ireland
- Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute, Technological University Dublin-City Campus, Grangegorman, Dublin, D07 H6K8 Ireland
| | - Swarna Jaiswal
- School of Food Science and Environmental Health, College of Sciences and Health, Technological University Dublin-City Campus, Central Quad, Grangegorman, Dublin, D07 ADY7 Ireland
- Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute, Technological University Dublin-City Campus, Grangegorman, Dublin, D07 H6K8 Ireland
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Chawla S, Varghese BS, A C, Hussain CG, Keçili R, Hussain CM. Environmental impacts of post-consumer plastic wastes: Treatment technologies towards eco-sustainability and circular economy. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:135867. [PMID: 35998732 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The huge amounts of plastic production (millions of tons) are carried out all around world every year and EU is one of the biggest consumers of these products. In 2021, recycling rate of plastic wastes around 32.5% in the EU and the rest end up on their journey in landfills and oceans that lead to environmental pollution which is a crucial global concern. Thus, it is important to take necessary steps to control the use of such plastic and to sustainably dispose them. One of the solutions to the problem is to use a better alternative to plastics which doesn't degrade land, water or air nor affects living organisms. Circular economy is another answer to this problem, it would ensure prevention of post-consumer plastic waste from getting formed. In addition, sustainable disposal approaches for plastic waste such as pyrolysis, plasma gasification, photocatalytic degradation, and production of value-added products from polymer waste can be explored. These recycling methods has huge potential for research and studies and can play a crucial in eliminating post-consumer plastic waste. This review paper aims to discuss the environmental effects of post-consumer plastic wastes as well as the emerging approaches for the treatment of these environmental wastes towards eco-sustainability and circular economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Chawla
- Department of Chemistry, Amity Institute of Applied Sciences, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, 20130, Noida, India.
| | - Basil Sajan Varghese
- Department of Chemistry, Amity Institute of Applied Sciences, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, 20130, Noida, India.
| | - Chithra A
- Department of Chemistry, Amity Institute of Applied Sciences, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, 20130, Noida, India.
| | | | - Rüstem Keçili
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Anadolu University, Yunus Emre Vocational School of Health Services, 26470, Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain
- Department of Chemistry & Environmental Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA.
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Duncan TV, Bajaj A, Gray PJ. Surface defects and particle size determine transport of CdSe quantum dots out of plastics and into the environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 439:129687. [PMID: 36104913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Polymers incorporating quantum dots (QDs) have attracted interest as components of next-generation consumer products, but there is uncertainty about how these potentially hazardous materials may impact human health and the environment. We investigated how the transport (migration) of QDs out of polymers and into the environment is linked to their size and surface characteristics. Cadmium selenide (CdSe) QDs with diameters ranging from 2.15 to 4.63 nm were incorporated into low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Photoluminescence was used as an indicator of QD surface defect density. Normalized migration of QDs into 3% acetic acid over 15 days ranged from 13.1 ± 0.6-452.5 ± 31.9 ng per cm2 of polymer surface area. Migrated QD mass was negatively correlated to QD diameter and was also higher when QDs had photoluminescence consistent with larger surface defect densities. The results imply that migration is driven by oxidative degradation of QDs originating at surface defect sites and transport of oxidation products along concentration gradients. A semi-empirical framework was developed to model the migration data. The model supports this mechanism and suggests that QD surface reactivity also drives the relationship between QD size and migration, with specific surface area playing a less important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy V Duncan
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, Bedford Park, IL 60501, USA.
| | - Akhil Bajaj
- Illinois Institute of Technology, Bedford Park, IL 60501, USA
| | - Patrick J Gray
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, Bedford Park, IL 60501, USA
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Râpă M, Spurcaciu BN, Ion RM, Grigorescu RM, Darie-Niță RN, Iancu L, Nicolae CA, Gabor AR, Matei E, Predescu C. Valorization of Polypropylene Waste in the Production of New Materials with Adequate Mechanical and Thermal Properties for Environmental Protection. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:5978. [PMID: 36079359 PMCID: PMC9457047 DOI: 10.3390/ma15175978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Innovative composites based on polypropylene waste impurified cu HDPE (PPW) combined with two thermoplastic block-copolymers, namely styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBSBC) and styrene-isoprene-styrene (SISBC) block-copolymers, and up to 10 wt% nano-clay, were obtained by melt blending. SBSBC and SISBC with almost the same content of polystyrene (30 wt%) were synthesized by anionic sequential polymerization and used as compatibilizers for PPW. Optical microscopy evaluation of the PPW composites showed that the n-clay was encapsulated into the elastomer. Addition of n-clay, together with SBSBC or SISBC, increased the interphase surface of the components in the PPW composites and enhanced the superficial area/volume ratio, which led to a recycled material with improved performance. The data resulting from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mechanical evaluation, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that PPW reinforcement with n-clay and styrene-diene block-copolymers allows the obtaining of composites with favorable mechanical and thermal properties, and excellent impact strength for potential engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Râpă
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independentei, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Norocel Spurcaciu
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry (ICECHIM), 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rodica-Mariana Ion
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry (ICECHIM), 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ramona Marina Grigorescu
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry (ICECHIM), 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Niță
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Physical Chemistry of Polymers Department, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania
| | - Lorena Iancu
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry (ICECHIM), 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian-Andi Nicolae
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry (ICECHIM), 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Augusta Raluca Gabor
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry (ICECHIM), 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Matei
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independentei, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Predescu
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independentei, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
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Foaming with scCO2 and Impregnation with Cinnamaldehyde of PLA Nanocomposites for Food Packaging. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10020376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microcellular nanocomposite foams functionalized with cinnamaldehyde (Ci) were obtained through two-step supercritical foaming and impregnation processing. PLA nanocomposite foams with different C30B concentrations (1, 2, and 3 wt.%) were obtained by foaming with scCO2 at 25 MPa and 135 °C and impregnated with Ci at 12 MPa and 40 °C. The effect of the C30B content and Ci incorporation on the morphological, structural, thermal, and release properties of the developed foams were investigated. The incorporation of Ci was not influenced by C30B’s addition. The presence of C30B and Ci incorporation reduced the average pore diameter slightly and the crystallinity degree of the foams extensively. Simultaneously, the experimental and theoretical characterization of the Ci release from the PLA nanocomposite foams in EtOH 50% was analyzed. The mechanism of Ci release from the foams was defined as a quasi-Fickian diffusion process that could be successfully described using the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. The active PLA foams presented a higher potential of migration and faster release when compared with that reported in commonly used PLA films, showing that biopolymeric foams could be potentially used as active food packaging to improve the migration of active compounds with low migration potentials in order to improve their biological activity in foods.
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Zhu D, Kurahashi E, You H, Wada T, Chammingkwan P, Taniike T. Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Graft-Type Nanocomposites Using Organically Modified SiO2 and Polypropylene Containing Reactive Methoxy Groups. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14030563. [PMID: 35160552 PMCID: PMC8838797 DOI: 10.3390/polym14030563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In situ grafting of a reactive matrix and nanofillers is a promising strategy to fabricate graft-type polypropylene (PP)-based nanocomposites, where the grafting efficiency is affected by the initial dispersion of nanofillers in the matrix. In this work, influences of surface organic modification of nanofillers were investigated on properties of PP/SiO2 nanocomposites using poly(propylene-co-octenyltrimethoxysilane) as a reactive matrix. The surface modification of SiO2, especially with longer alkyl chains, led to improved dispersion of nanoparticles, thus promoting the grafting reaction and mechanical properties. The combination of in situ grafting and surface modification of nanofillers provided several benefits, most notably in balancing the strength and the toughness, which could not be achieved by the grafting alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongzhi Zhu
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Technology, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi 923-1292, Ishikawa, Japan; (D.Z.); (H.Y.); (T.W.)
| | - Eiji Kurahashi
- Kojima Industries Corporation, 3-30 Shimoichiba-cho, Toyota 471-8588, Aichi, Japan;
| | - Hui You
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Technology, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi 923-1292, Ishikawa, Japan; (D.Z.); (H.Y.); (T.W.)
| | - Toru Wada
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Technology, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi 923-1292, Ishikawa, Japan; (D.Z.); (H.Y.); (T.W.)
| | - Patchanee Chammingkwan
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Technology, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi 923-1292, Ishikawa, Japan; (D.Z.); (H.Y.); (T.W.)
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (T.T.); Tel.: +81-761-51-1630 (T.T.)
| | - Toshiaki Taniike
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Technology, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi 923-1292, Ishikawa, Japan; (D.Z.); (H.Y.); (T.W.)
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (T.T.); Tel.: +81-761-51-1630 (T.T.)
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Kozicki M, Guzik K, Deptuła H, Tomaszewska J. Leaching and VOC Emission Tests of Polymer Composites Produced from Post-Consumer Waste in Terms of Application in the Construction Sector. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14133518. [PMID: 34202650 PMCID: PMC8269531 DOI: 10.3390/ma14133518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
One of the existing priorities of the European Union is to search for rational waste management and to keep such waste in the economic cycle, while meeting the highest safety requirements. The paper presents the results of environmental tests of composites based on the polyethylene (rPE) and polypropylene (rPP) matrix and reinforced with cellulose fibres (newsprint, NP). Raw materials were obtained by recycling post-consumer waste such as beverage bottles and newsprint. The composites were tested for their potential use as materials in cladding panels and acoustic barriers. Given that normative documents for these products do not define specific environmental requirements, the composites were tested for the release of dangerous substances, such as anions of inorganic compounds, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and their impact on the environment. A detailed in-depth analysis of the mechanisms of release of substances (diffusion, dissolution, surface leaching and depletion) from the rPP/NP composite into surface water, groundwater and soil was carried out. In turn, emission of VOCs from the rPE (low-density:high-density (LD:HD)-50:50) and rPE (LD:HD-30:70) composites into indoor air was also carried out. Raw materials in the form of granulates and loose cellulose fibres, used to produce the composites, were also tested for their environmental impact.
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