Experimental Study of the Influence of Intrinsic Parameters on the Thermal Reactivity of Sawdust, Polyethylene Terephthalate and Composite

Several works have been based on the study of thermal variations in biomass to derive more valuable products such as fuels capable of replacing oil in the event of a crisis or activated carbon used as an adsorbent material, widely used in industry for the elimination of unwanted materials, both in liquid and gaseous environments. A study of thermal parameters such as: heating speed, retention time, drying temperature, carbonization temperature, particle size, was carried out with the aim of determining the characteristic factors of the carbonization of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sawdust (SC) and sawdust/polyethylene terephthalate (CPS) mixture. The results of the immediate analysis revealed a very low level of ash in PET (0.013%) compared to the level of ash in sawdust (2.9%), as well as a high level of fixed carbon (82.960%), which suggests the presence of mineral oxides and a significant carbon matrix unlike PET, which indicates a very significant organic matrix (essentially made up of organic matter) with the absence of mineral oxides. The study of thermal parameters showed the water loss from Sawdust (SC) and the Sawdust/Polyethylene terephthalate (CPS) mixture, an increase with temperature, unlike that of PET whose variation is essentially zero. Without heat treatment, sawdust alone contains approximately 7% water. The optimal drying temperature for this study is 110˚C for a stay of 24 hours. It appears that the largest mass losses for the PET samples are between 87.19% and 96.05%, followed by that of the mixture, between 47.33% and 64.37%. And the lowest are observed, those of sawdust (from 24.02% to 62.6%). However, here we can say that the influence of the mass is not great, given the slight difference between the losses by temperature. The results of the study of the influence of grain size showed that the differences are insignificant, even if we vary the diameter of the grains from simple to triple. To better minimize physical constraints such as the intragranular diffusibility of the volatile matter and the homogeneity of the temperature in the grains, 75 μm particles are found to be optimal for our study. It can be noted when studying the heating rate that the mass loss at the end of the reaction is approximately the same depending on each precursor material. However, it has been demonstrated that the heating rate strongly influences the nature of the reaction products both for volatile materials and for the solid residue as well as on the kinetic parameters of the chemical reaction. Furthermore, the variation in apparent density shows a decrease as a function of the increase in the residence time of the materials in the reactor. As the carbonization time increases, the apparent density decreases. We note, for the lignocellulosic material, that the apparent density stabilizes after 60 minutes.

Effect of Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastic Waste on the Physico-Mechanical and Thermal Characteristics of Stabilized Laterite Bricks

The present work investigated the effect of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste on the physico-mechanical and thermal properties of cement-stabilized laterite bricks to see the durability of the modified bricks (CSLB). Samples were formulated by mixing laterite, cement, and different percentages of PET (0%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) by volume. The bricks were produced using the M7MI Hydraform standard interlocking block and kept in the shade for a curing period of 28 days. The addition of 3% to 5% PET to the laterite stabilized with 10% cement results in a decrease in both dry and wet compressive strength, which is determined using the Controlab compression machine. However, the obtained results are in concordance with the standards. The thermal conductivity of CSLB, determined using the box method with the EI700 measurement cell, decreases as the PET content of the mixture increases. A decrease in bulk density from 1.67 to 1.58 g/cm3 was observed.

Synthesis of Activated Carbon from Polyethylene Terephthalate(PET)Plastic Waste and Its Application for Removal of Organic Dyes from Water

Synthetic plastics are often considered to be materials that cannot be broken down by natural processes.One such plastic,polyethylene terephthalate(PET),is commonly used in everyday items but when these products are discarded,they can cause serious harm to the environment and human health.In this study,PET plastic waste was used to create activated carbon using a physical activation process that involved using CO2 gas.The researchers investigated the effects of different temperatures,carbonization,and activation times on the resulting activated carbon’s surface area.The activated carbon was then analyzed using scanning electron microscopy(SEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD),FTIR,and BET.The activated carbon created from PET plastic waste showed excellent absorption properties for methylene blue in aqueous solutions across a wide range of pH levels.By creating activated carbon from plastic waste,not only are environmental issues addressed,but high-value activated carbon is produced for environmental remediation purposes.

Recycling and depolymerization of waste polyethylene terephthalate bottles by alcohol alkali hydrolysis

In this work,a novel alcohol alkali hydrolysis method was explored for the preparation of terephthalic acid(TPA)from waste polyethylene terephthalate(PET).First,a series of single factor experiments on the depolymerization rate of waste PET bottles and the yield of TPA were conducted to determine the optimized experimental conditions,in terms of reaction time,reaction temperature,dosage of ethylene glycol and sodium bicarbonate,amount of distilled water and stirring rate.Then IR spectra and elemental analysis were carried out for the characterization of obtained product.Under optimal experimental conditions,over 98%PET can be depolymerized into the target product(TPA)and the purity and yield of TPA are over 97%and 94%,respectively.Both the experimental and analytical results support a feasible process for the preparation of TPA from waste PET.It is expected that this alcohol alkali hydrolysis method can promise an effective way for the sustainable recycling of waste PET.

Surface Treatment of Polyethylene Terephthalate Film Using Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge in Air

Non-thermal plasmas under atmospheric pressure are of great interest in polymer surface processing because of their convenience, effectiveness and low cost. In this paper, the treatment of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film surface for improving hydrophilicity using the non-thermal plasma generated by atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APGD) in air is conducted. The discharge characteristics of APGD are shown by measurement of their electrical discharge parameters and observation of light-emission phenomena, and the surface properties of PET before and after the APGD treatment are studied using contact angle measurement, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is found that the APGD is homogeneous and stable in the whole gas gap, which differs from the commonly filamentary dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). A short time (several seconds) APGD treatment can modify the surface characteristics of PET film markedly and uniformly. After 10 s APGD treatment, the

Surface Modification of Polyethylene Terephthalate(PET) Fiber by Roll-to-Roll Treatment in Atmospheric Ar/O_2 Dielectric Barrier Discharge(DBD) Plasma

In this work,polyethylene terephthalate(PET) fibers were continuously treated by atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge(DBD) in Ar mixed O2 plasma,and the discharge was characterized by electrical function and optical diagnostics.It is found that the interfacial adhesion strength between treated PET fiber and resorcinol formaldehyde latex(RFL)(little)-rubber was improved(about 50%) by the measurement of interfacial shear strength(IFSS) and peel test.The wettability was improved rapidly in the initial treatment time.It is considered that oxidation chemical reaction as the major role of PET fiber surface modification is ahead of the physical etching effect.The high density of atomic oxygen in the plasma by optical emission spectroscopy supports the purpose.According to the scanning electron micrograph(SEM) image in the work,the longer treatment time obviously caused physical etching effect,which shall be less responsible for the improvement of the wettability.

Mechariical and Abrasion Properties of Polyethylene Terephthalate Films Coated with SiO2/Epoxy Hybrid Material

Hybrid materials were prepared using a silane coupling agent, tetraethoxysilane （ TEOS ） as the precursor, dilute hydrochloric acid as the catalyst, and epoxy as the matrices. The films coated with hybrid materials were expected to improve abrasion resistance and mechanical properties. The morphology, mechanical properties, adhesion, and abrasion resistance of the polyethylene terephthalate （PET） films were characterized using an atomic force microscope, a tensile testing machine, a bagger knife, and a reciprocating fabric abrasion tester. The result of research indicated that the modification significantly affected the abrasion resistance and roughness. The-tensile strength and abrasion resistance of the modified PET films increased by 40% and 50% respectively at 3 % TEOS mass fraction.

The Aging Study on Polyethylene Terephthalate with Surface Modification by Water Vapor Plasma

The aging effects of the contact angle and surface energy on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) have been investigated with surface modification by water vapor plasma. The experimental results show that the contact angle of water and PET decreases obviously and surface energy increases. However, with the increase of the aging time, the contact angle and surface energy change back gradually to original state.

Effect of Knitting Process on Elastic Property of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)/Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) Warp Knitted Fabric

This study investigated the elastic elongation and elastic recovery of the elastic warp knitted fabric made of polyethylene terephthalate( PET) and polybutylene terephthalate( PBT)filament. The effect of knitting parameter on the elasticity of PBT /PET warp knitted fabric was analyzed. The increase of drawing density( from 16 to 26 courses per centimeter( CPC)) on machine resulted in the decrease of elongation at the weft direction. But,the elongation at the warp direction fluctuated as drawing density increasing. The yarn run-in speed influenced the elongation of PET /PBT warp knitted fabric as well. When the yarn run-in speed of GB1( front bar) was kept a constant,the increase of GB2( back bar) yarn run-in speed caused the gradual enhancement of the elastic elongation at the warp direction,but the different trends of the elastic elongation at the weft direction. When yarn run-in speed of GB2 was kept a constant,the increase of GB1 yarn run-in speed enlarged the elastic warp elongation from 104.16 to 124.97 mm,while the weft elongation decreased from 110.34 to 98.03 mm.Eventually yarn run-in speeds of GB1 and GB2 were retained at1 360 and 1 170 mm / rack respectively under 20 CPC drawing density. It could not only balance the two directions of elongation but also reach the highest elongation at both directions( 126. 32 and115.88 mm) under 100 N tension. These results provide a better understanding of characteristics of PET / PBT warp knitted fabric,and its elastic elongation and recovery behavior for development and effective applications.

DEPOLYMERIZATION AND KINETICS OF DEPOLYMERIZATION OF POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE USING DIBUTYLTIN OXIDE CATALYST

Depolymerization of poly（ethylene terephthalate） （PET） was performed in the tubular bomb microreactor which contained the solution of PET in methanol and dibutyltin oxide at the temperature ranging from 433 K to 473 K, the reaction time from 5 to 45 min and the catalyst-to-PET ratio of 0.3%-2% by weight. The optimal condition for PET depolymerization catalyzed by dibutyltin oxide is the temperature of 443-453 K, the reaction time of 20-25 min and 0.8% by weight of catalyst. By using differential methods, the activation energy for the depolymerization process was found to be 154.05 kJ/mol in the temperature range from 433-463 K.

Utilization of waste polyethylene terephthalate as a reducing agent in the reduction of iron ore composite pellets

The increasing consumption of plastics inevitably results in increasing amounts of waste plastics. Because of their long degradation periods, these wastes negatively affect the natural environment. Numerous studies have been conducted to recycle and eliminate waste plastics. The potential for recycling waste plastics in the iron and steel industry has been underestimated; the high C and H contents of plastics may make them suitable as alternative reductants in the reduction process of iron ore. This study aims to substitute plastic wastes for coal in reduction melting process and to investigate their performance during reduction at high temperature. We used a common type of waste plastic, polyethylene terephthalate （PET）, because of its high carbon and hydrogen contents. Composite pellets containing PET wastes, coke, and magnetite iron ore were reduced at selected temperatures of 1400 and 1450℃ for reduction time from 2 to 10 min to investigate the reduction melting behavior of these pellets. The results showed that an increased temperature and reduction time increased the reduction ratio of the pellets. The optimum experimental conditions for obtaining metallic iron （iron nuggets） were reduction at 1450℃ for 10 min using composite pellets containing 60% PET and 40% coke.

Structural Changes of Polyethylene Terephthalate Fibers Grafted by Acrylamide

A group of grafted PET fibers with different graft yield are formed by grafting acrylamide onto the PET main chains. The structure of grafted fibers are studied by scanning electronic microscope ( SEM ), infra-red spectrophotometer ( IR ), and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC). At the same time, the moisture regain, dyeability, strength, and elongation at break of the samples are measured and their relations with structural changes are discussed. Compared with ungrafted fiber, shape of the fiber cross-section, IR characteristic absorption peaks, and melting behavior of the grafted fibers have been changed, causing the fiber dyeability and moisture regain to be increased, and mechanical properties to be changed.

Recycling Polyethylene Terephthalate （PET） Packaging as the Basis of Economic Projects and Solution of Social and Environmental Problems in Russia

In this article, based on the analysis of the current environmental situation in Russia and other countries, as well as of the problem of recycling plastic waste in the Russian Federation （RF）, the authors clearly show the effectiveness of investments in the processing of polymer debris on the example of polyethylene terephthalate （PET） waste （granulates, flakes）. In the frame of case study of social and environmental investment project on creating enterprise that will engage in collection, recycling, and sale of the consumer PET packaging in Russia, the authors demonstrate the economic feasibility of the creation of such kind of enterprises taking into account market conditions and the features of the existing system of taxation in Russia. The realization of the project will also help in solving environmental and social problems of large cities, in particular, will create more jobs （in terms of 6% of unemployment rate in the country）. The study also identifies the main obstacles in the way of waste recycling in Russia, and the recommendations for improvement of normative base of the industry are given.

Synergistic Effect of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Pre-Treatment on Alkaline Etching of Polyethylene Terephthalate Fabrics and Films

Dyeing of PET materials by traditional methods presents several problems.Plasma technology has received enormous attention as a solution for the environmental problems related with textile surface modifications,and there has been a rapid development and commercialization of plasma technology over the past decade.In this work,the synergistic effect of atmospheric pressure plasma on alkaline etching and deep coloring of dyeing properties on polyethylene terephthalate（PET）fabrics and films was investigated.The topographical changes of the PET surface were investigated by atomic force microscopy（AFM）images,which revealed a smooth surface morphology of the untreated sample whereas a high surface roughness for the plasma and/or alkaline treated samples.The effects of atmospheric pressure plasma on alkaline etching of the structure and properties of PET were investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry（DSC）,the main objective of performing DSC was to investigate the effect of the plasma pre-treatment on the T_g and T_m.Using a tensile strength tester YG065 H and following a standard procedure the maximum force and elongation at maximum force of PET materials was investigated.Oxygen and argon plasma pre-treatment was found to increase the PET fabric weight loss rate.The color strength of PET fabrics was increased by various plasma pre-treatment times.The penetration of plasma and alkaline reactive species deep into the PET structure results in better dyeability and leaves a significant effect on the K/S values of the plasma pre-treated PET.It indicated that plasma pre-treatment has a great synergistic effect with the alkaline treatment of PET.

Studying the Curing Conditions of Unsaturated Polyesters from Secondary Polyethylene Terephthalate Alcoholysis Products

The technological properties of the curing conditions for unsaturated polyesters synthesized on the basis of the alcoholysis products of secondary polyethylene terephthalate and unsaturated polyesters used in the production of fiberglass pipes were studied. It is shown that unsaturated polyesters synthesized on the basis of alcoholysis products can completely replace imported resins of grades 196 and 196A in the production of fiberglass pipes.

The Effect of 58S Bioactive Glass Coating on Polyethylene Terephthalates in Graft-Bone Healing

In this study the effects of surface modification of Polyethylene Terephthalates （PET） fibers with 58S bioactive glasses on osteoblasts proliferation and osseointegration in the tibia-articular tendon-bone healing model were investigated. PET sheets were coated with 58S bioactive glass and uncoated PET sheets were used as a control. Scanning Electron Microscope （SEM） and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer were adopted to analyze the surface characteristics of the fibers. MT3T3-E 1 cells were cultured with the PET fibers and the MTT and ALP were tested at 1, 3, 5 days. Twenty-four skeletally mature male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups, the 58S-PET group and the PET group. Both groups underwent a surgical procedure to establish a tibia-articular tendon-bone healing model. Mechanical examinations and histological assays were taken to verify the coating effects in vivo. Results of both MTT and ALP tests show significant differences （P 〈 0.01） between the 58S-PET group and the PET group. At 6 weeks and 12 weeks, the max load-to-failure was significantly higher in the 58S-PET group. In the histological assays, distinct new bone formation was observed only in the 58S-PET group and stronger osseoin- tegration was seen in the 58S-PET group than that in the control group. The 58S-coating on PET could enhance the proliferation and activity of the osteoblasts and therefore promote the new bone formation and tendon-bone healing.

IN-SITU POLYMERIZED SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF NANO-ZnO/PEG/PET COMPOSITE

Nano-ZnO particle （nZnOp） reinforced polyethylene glycol （PEG）/polyethylene terephthalate （PET） （nZnOp/PEG/PET） copolymeric composites with different mass fractions and molecular weights of PEG are synthesized via in-situ polymerization. The dispersion of nZnOp in copolymer matrixes and the effects of PEG and nZnOp particles on the crystallization behavior of the composites are studied by TEM, differential scanning calorimetry（DSC）, XRD and Fourier thansform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR ）. The results reveal that nZnOp particles are dispersed in the matrixes with nano-scale, and the addition of PEG induces more homogeneous dispersion of nZnOp. Simultaneously, these nanoparticles become nucleating centers during the crystallization of the matrixes. PEG segments can improve the flexibility of the PET molecular chain, resulting in the drop of the cold crystallization temperature and the rise of the crystallization rate of the composites. Furthermore, PEG （4 000） with the mass fraction of 10% can promote the crystallization rate of the composites. The mechanical properties show that the nano-particles strengthen and toughen the PET matrix, whereas PEG weakens these improve- ments.

Sustainable Practice in Pavement Engineering through Value-Added Collective Recycling of Waste Plastic and Waste Tyre Rubber

Waste plastics,such as waste polyethylene terephthalate(PET)beverage bottles and waste rubber tyres are major municipal solid wastes,which may lead to various environmental problems if they are not appropriately recycled.In this study,the feasibility of collectively recycling the two types of waste into performance-increasing modifiers for asphalt pavements was analyzed.This study aimed to investigate the recycling mechanisms of waste PET-derived additives under the treatment of two amines,triethylenetetramine(TETA)and ethanolamine(EA),and characterize the performances of these additives in modifying rubberized bitumen,a bitumen modified by waste tyre rubber.To this end,infrared spectroscopy and thermal analyses were carried out on the two PET-derived additives(PET–TETA and PET–EA).In addition,infrared spectroscopy,viscosity,dynamic shear rheology,and multiple stress creep recovery tests were performed on the rubberized bitumen samples modified by the two PET-derived additives.We concluded that waste PET can be chemically upcycled into functional additives,which can increase the overall performance of the rubberized bitumen.The recycling method developed in this study not only helps alleviate the landfilling problems of both waste PET plastic and scrap tyres,but also turns these wastes into value-added new materials for building durable pavements.

Towards recycling purpose:Converting PET plastic waste back to terephthalic acid using pH-responsive phase transfer catalyst

Converting polyethylene terephthalate(PET)wastes to its monomer and valuable chemicals via ecofriendly chemical method is still a challenge task.Previously,phase transfer catalysts used for alkaline hydrolysis were soluble in reaction media and hardly separated after reaction.Here,we reported several pH-responsive catalysts combined alkyl quaternary ammonium units with heteropolyacid anion for achieving stepwise product/catalyst separation and catalyst recycling.The properties of homogeneous/heterogeneous transfer behavior allow catalyst to be easily separated from reaction media by adjusting of pH value.Among them,[C_(16)H_(33)N(CH_(3))_(3)]_(3)PW_(12)O_(40)(abbreviated as[CTA]_(3)PW)exhibits the highest activity and the most suitable pH responsive values.Such a pH triggered switchable catalytic system not only shows good performance for depolymerization of pure PET,but also some real PET wastes such as coloured trays and PE/PET complex films could be completely degraded into terephthalic acid.Additionally,the reaction kinetics and activation energy of PET alkaline hydrolysis also studied with and without pH-responsive[CTA]_(3)PW.

Preparation and Properties of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate)/Boehmite Nanocomposite

Colloidal boehmite particles have been included into a polyethylene terephthalate matrix by in situ polymerization. Boehmite nanoparticles were produced by the controlled hydrolysis of aluminium isopropylate. The nanoparticles were characterized using Transmitted Electronic Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), which revealed the particles of magnitude about 10 nm. The particles have been used without any surface modification. Characterization of the nanocomposite has been carried out using TEM and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). TEM images indicate that the particles have been homogeneously dispersed in the polymer. DSC results show that the presence of boehmite affects the process of crystallization of polyethylene terephthalate.