Abstract
The use of disposable masks is multiplied by thirty compared to the time before Covid-19. Considering that a major part of these masks is made of polypropylene (PP), a significant amount of PP waste is produced each year. It is important to collect and re-evaluate them in a controlled manner so as not to pose a risk of contamination and not to threaten the environment. This study aims to develop composite materials by using recycled PP (rPP) obtained from disposable masks. After pre-treatment of the reinforcements, composites were manufactured and experimental characterizations were performed by using test specimens. In the developed composites, the impact resistance, as well as fracture toughness of rPP, was improved by the reinforcement agents such as Olefin Block Copolymer (OBC) and Graphene Nanoplatelets (GnPs). In addition, microwave self-healing efficiency was proportional to GnPs content and 15% strength improvement was observed for microwave-treated specimens. In the end, SEM microscopy was carried out on the fracture surfaces and toughening mechanisms, including pull-out of the OBCs, cavitation, and stress whitening were demonstrated.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | e00389 |
| Journal | Sustainable Materials and Technologies |
| Volume | 31 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Apr 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2022 Elsevier B.V.
Funding
This research was supported by the Istanbul Technical University Office of Scientific Research Projects (ITU BAPSIS) , under grant MAB-2021-42811 . We also acknowledge Ersem Plastik®, Turkey, and DOW Chemicals Company, Turkey Branch for their material support during the project. Authors thank to Aybeniz Seyhan for her support during composite manufacturing.
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| Istanbul Teknik Üniversitesi | MAB-2021-42811 |
Keywords
- Disposable masks
- Graphene
- Recycling
- SEM microscopy
- Self-healing