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A Safe Collection Process of Covid-19 Disposable Face Masks for the Applications in Asphalt Pavements
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This study developed a theoretical collection and processing pathway for disposable COVID-19 face masks to enable their use as a material in asphalt pavement. The pandemic generated massive quantities of mask waste, which contains polypropylene microplastics; the proposed approach offers a way to divert this waste from landfills while making use of its material properties.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, plastic pollution became exacerbated by the disposal of face masks. The practical collection, processing, and application of the face mask have become a major challenge. Several studies have examined the added benefits of using face masks on asphalt pavements; however, these studies were limited to the application and have not addressed the appropriate collection process. This research aims to develop a theoretical collection process of disposable face masks originating from locations other than hospitals. The process aims to collect face masks safely and practically from residential, commercial, and educational zones. The masks would be collected twice a month and disinfected and sterilized before being transported to a shredding company for processing before being transported to an asphalt plant for use in asphalt mixtures. The developed collection method will minimize the risk of being affected by the Covid-19 virus and provide a practical procedure that can be used by waste management facilities. Additionally, the developed collection method could aid the construction industry in adopting a more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and cost- effective method of construction.
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Repurposing the disposable face masks in hot mix asphalt: Enhancing pavement performance and addressing plastic waste pollution
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Researchers investigated repurposing shredded single-use polypropylene face masks as an additive in hot mix asphalt, evaluating improvements to mechanical performance of the pavement while simultaneously addressing the surge in disposable mask waste generated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recycling of Polymer Components From Waste Face Masks for Asphalt Modification: A Mini Review
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Polymer components recovered from waste face masks (a major source of plastic waste since the COVID-19 pandemic) were recycled and incorporated into new materials. The study supports developing circular recycling pathways for the large volume of disposable mask plastic that otherwise risks fragmenting into microplastics.
Advanced Recycling of Modified EDPM Rubber in Bituminous Asphalt Paving
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Researchers explored recycling discarded COVID-19 surgical masks by incorporating them into bituminous asphalt for road pavement. Testing showed the mask material, made from modified rubber and polypropylene, could be blended into asphalt base courses without compromising structural performance, offering a potential circular-economy approach to managing pandemic plastic waste.
Evaluating the cost of collection, processing, and application of face masks in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavements
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Researchers calculated the full costs of collecting, shredding, and incorporating waste COVID-19 face masks into road asphalt, finding that while initial costs are similar to conventional pavement for shorter roads, mask-modified asphalt saves about 29% in maintenance costs over a 40-year lifespan due to improved durability.
Infrastructure in the Age of Pandemics: Utilizing Polypropylene-Based Mask Waste for Durable and Sustainable Road Pavements
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Researchers investigated sterilized shredded polypropylene mask residues (SMR) from pandemic-era disposable masks as modifiers for asphalt pavement, testing SMR additions at 3, 6, and 9 weight percent using thin-layer chromatography, flame ionization detection, and other advanced characterization methods. The study found that SMR-modified asphalt exhibited improved durability and mechanical properties, offering a sustainable strategy for diverting mask waste into road infrastructure.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.