We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Recycled and compatibilized PP-PET composites, reinforced with Angelim Pedra particles
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists combined recycled plastic (from bottles and packaging) with wood fibers to create a new sustainable building material, reducing the need for virgin plastic production. Interestingly, the simplest formulation, without an extra bonding chemical, actually performed best, showing that more processing isn't always better when repurposing plastic waste. This kind of research matters because finding practical ways to reuse plastic waste helps keep it out of landfills and oceans, where it can break down into microplastics that end up in our water, food, and bodies.
Introduction: The growing demand for sustainable materials has driven the development of polymer composites made from plastic waste and lignocellulosic reinforcements. However, the low compatibility between polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can limit interfacial adhesion and compromise the performance of the composites. In this study, we evaluated the influence of compatibilization with maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA) on hybrid composites produced with recycled PP, recycled PET and vegetable fiber from Angelim Pedra (Hymenolobium petraeum) particles. Materials and methods: Composites containing recycled PP, 5 or 10% by mass of recycled PET, and 5% Angelim Pedra particles were produced, with and without the addition of 5% maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA). The materials were prepared by step; the Angelim Pedra vegetable fiber and polyethylene terephthalate were sanitized and ground into smaller particles. Both were added as fillers at 5 and 10% by mass to the polypropylene matrix and processed by extrusion using a compatibilizer (PP-g-MA). Subsequently, they were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy-Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR). Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and tensile tests according to ASTM D638 standard. Results: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses indicated the occurrence of chemical interactions between the anhydride groups of the compatibilizer and the hydroxyl groups of the plant fiber. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed improved dispersion of the PET phase and a reduction in interfacial voids in the compatibilized systems. Despite the observed morphological improvements, some formulations containing PP-g-MA exhibited reduced tensile strength. The composite containing 5% PET without a compatibilizer exhibited the best balance between mechanical strength and structural stability. Conclusions: The simultaneous incorporation of recycled PET and Angelim Pedra particles into a recycled PP matrix proved to be feasible for the production of sustainable composites. Compatibilization with PP-g-MA promoted phase interaction and microstructural homogeneity, although the compatibilizer concentration must be optimized to preserve the material’s mechanical performance.
More Papers Like This
Resistance of wood–plastic composites and tannin- and lignosulfonate-based adhesives to xylophagous organisms
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that mixing recycled plastic with wood particles and natural, plant-based glues (instead of synthetic ones) creates a building material that resists rot from fungi and damage from termites—especially when more plastic and a natural additive called lignosulfonate were used. This matters because it shows a way to make durable, eco-friendlier building materials by reusing waste plastic and swapping out harsher chemical adhesives for natural alternatives, which could mean fewer synthetic chemicals in the products used to build our homes.
Effects of waste polyethylene terephthalate bottle particles on cement-bonded wood boards
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that grinding up plastic water bottles and mixing them into cement-based wood boards (used in construction) actually made the boards stronger, more water-resistant, and less likely to warp compared to boards made only from wood. This matters because it offers a practical way to reuse plastic waste in building materials instead of it ending up in landfills or breaking down into microplastics in the environment — though this study focused on building performance, not on whether these boards release microplastics into homes over time.
Effects of waste polyethylene terephthalate bottle particles on cement-bonded wood boards
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that grinding up plastic water bottles and mixing them into cement-based building boards (replacing some of the wood normally used) actually made the boards stronger and more water-resistant, while giving old plastic bottles a new purpose instead of sending them to landfills. This matters because it's a promising way to reuse plastic waste in construction rather than letting it break down into microplastics in the environment—though this is an early materials-science study, so more research is needed before these boards show up in your home.
Performance evaluation of PET-modified concrete with PET granules and manufactured sand as fine aggregates
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that mixing shredded plastic bottles into concrete, replacing some sand, actually made it stronger when used at the right amount (2%). This matters because it gives plastic waste a useful second life instead of it sitting in landfills or being burned, which releases toxic fumes harmful to human health.
Effects of waste polyethylene terephthalate bottle particles on cement-bonded wood boards
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that grinding up plastic water bottles and mixing them into cement-based building boards (replacing some of the wood) actually made the boards stronger, more water-resistant, and less likely to swell—while also reducing waste sent to landfills. This is a promising way to recycle plastic bottles into sturdier building materials, though the plastic doesn't bond perfectly with the cement, so more testing is needed before it's widely used in construction.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.