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Polymers 2024 International Conference Proceedings
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These proceedings compile research presented at the 2024 International Polymers Conference, covering advances in polymer science, materials engineering, and sustainability. Topics span novel polymer synthesis, functional materials, and environmental implications of polymer use and disposal. The collection reflects the current state of the field and emerging directions in polymer research.
Marine pollution, particularly arising from fishing activities, poses a significant threat to glob-al aquatic ecosystems.The improper disposal of fishing gear, such as nets and traps, contributes to the phenomenon known as 'ghost fishing,' resulting in direct harm to marine fauna and the generation of persistent waste in the aquatic environment.The unnatural presence of these substances leads to consequences such as habitat destruction, entanglement of animals, facilitation of invasive species transfers between ecosystems, and sediment deposition.These factors can have potential impacts on benthic animal life and feeding.At the forefront of environmental sustainability, the SeaRubbish2Cap project introduces an innovative approach to comprehensively tackle the issues of ocean waste recovery, with a strong emphasis on the circular economy and sustain-able recycling.To address this challenge, the project is developing a user-friendly mobile application that allows fishermen to identify and mark the locations where they lose their fishing artifacts at sea.This data aids in target-ed collection efforts and contributes to a better understanding of marine waste distribution.The located waste originating from fishing activities in the Peniche region's ocean floor was collected through a professional and careful process to minimize damage to the under-water environment.Additionally, practical strategies for proper waste treatment were thoroughly explored.This involved a multistep process, including the meticulous removal of contaminants, segregation based on object characteristics, cleaning, and individual characterization of each waste item.Various techniques were employed to ensure thorough characterization, such as flow index (MFR), FTIR analysis (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy).During the waste analysis, the identification of polymers and contaminants, including shell fragments from crustaceans, guided the meticulous selection of suitable elements for the treatment process.Subsequent to the comprehensive treatment procedure, a co-rotating twin-screw extruder was employed to fabricate a compound incorporating 70 wt% of recycled marine waste with polyethylene reclaimed from Neutroplast's industrial processing.The result-ant product demonstrates potential utility across various applications, effectively exemplifying the SeaRubbish2Cap project's adept response to the environmental challenge.This underscores its feasibility and success in generating valuable materials while advocating for environmental stewardship.
More Papers Like This
Recovering and transforming fishing waste for a sustainable future
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This paper explores strategies for recovering and repurposing fishing waste, including discarded plastic gear such as nets and lines, to support a more sustainable fishing industry. It examines transformation pathways that convert fishing waste into reusable materials or energy, reducing ocean plastic pollution at the source. The authors argue that circular approaches to fishing waste management can deliver both environmental and economic benefits.
In-situ recycling of ghost gear and waste from seafood processing in the Madeleine Islands to produce functional materials
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Researchers developed 100% recycled composite materials from fishing industry plastic waste — including polyamide 6 nets and polyolefin ropes — combined with marine byproducts like mollusk shells, demonstrating a local valorization pathway for ghost gear and seafood processing waste in the Madeleine Islands.
Upcycling fibre-reinforced plastic debris from abandoned fishing boats in the marine environment into innovative cementitious composite: A dual approach to natural resource conservation and consumer acceptance
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Abandoned fibre-reinforced plastic fishing boats along the Kerala coast leach microplastics into marine environments, but shredding and pulverizing this debris into a sand substitute for cementitious composites offers a viable upcycling pathway. This dual approach reduces coastal microplastic pollution while conserving natural sand resources and demonstrates a practical circular economy solution for marine plastic waste.
Recycling of End-of-Life Trawling Nets in Vietnam Towards Sustainable Circular Economy Applications
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Researchers in Vietnam recycled end-of-life trawling nets made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) into granulates and tested their mechanical properties against virgin material, finding that a 1:1 blend of recycled and virgin granulates nearly matched virgin performance with yield stress of 21.50 MPa versus 21.59 MPa. The recycled material also proved suitable for 3D printing filament production, demonstrating a viable circular economy pathway for marine plastic waste.
Challenges and Opportunities for Recycled Polyethylene Fishing Nets: Towards a Circular Economy
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Researchers examined the challenges of recycling polyethylene from discarded fishing nets, finding that contaminants and degradation during the nets' service life significantly reduce the mechanical properties of recycled resins. The study explores strategies to improve recycled fishing net polyethylene quality and advance circular economy approaches for marine plastic waste.
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