We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Synthesis and characterization of microparticles from artificial medical mask waste by freeze-drying method
Summary
Researchers synthesized and characterized microparticles from medical mask waste using a freeze-drying method, transforming discarded surgical mask material into reusable microparticulate matter. The study addressed the surge in pandemic-related mask waste and its contribution to environmental microplastic pollution by proposing a waste valorization pathway for mask-derived plastic fragments.
Abstract Since pandemic mask mandates are being applied with numerous equipment to protect the wearer from exposure to viruses which become the main reason why medical masks are preferred. The increase of medical mask waste and its poor management in most countries raises concerns about microplastics in the environment. On the other hand, the usage of medical masks delivers drastic waste that is harmful to the environment in the long run. Through this research, we transform medical mask waste into polypropylene microparticles which are applicable in numerous fields. The process includes pre-treatment, creating the polypropylene solvent, freeze-drying, and characterization. There is no eloquent difference for each concentration, but the higher the polypropylene percentage, the intensity of -OH and - NH 2 decreased. The XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) pattern for 6% polypropylene microparticles is slightly higher than the 15% though the peak shows at the same 2θ. Morphology of polypropylene microparticles visualized by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope). The material has a perfectly spherical shape indicating the removal of xylene is perfectly done.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Study of Recycling Potential of FFP2 Face Masks and Characterization of the Plastic Mix-Material Obtained. A Way of Reducing Waste in Times of Covid-19
Researchers showed that FFP2 face masks can be mechanically recycled without pre-sorting their composite materials, producing a polymer blend with thermal and mechanical properties comparable to recycled polypropylene — offering a practical route to divert pandemic mask waste from the environment.
Mechanical Recycling of Disposable Protective Masks
Disposable face masks — a major source of pandemic-era plastic waste — were mechanically recycled through extrusion to assess whether their polypropylene layers retain useful material properties. The study found that mechanical recycling had only minor effects on thermal properties, suggesting masks could be diverted from landfill and reprocessed into raw material, reducing the chance that mask fibers fragment into environmental microplastics.
Uncovering the Release of Micro/nanoplastics from Disposable Face Masks at Times of COVID-19
Researchers found that disposable face masks release significant amounts of micro- and nanoplastic particles when subjected to water exposure and mechanical stress similar to environmental conditions. This confirms that the massive use of masks during COVID-19 introduced new sources of microplastic pollution into the environment.
Reutilizing Single-Use Surgical Face Masks to Improve the Mechanical Properties of Concrete: A Feasibility Study
Researchers investigated reutilizing single-use surgical face masks as a material to improve the mechanical properties of construction or composite materials. The study demonstrates a potential upcycling pathway for pandemic-generated mask waste, converting a pollution problem into a resource.
A novel investigations on medical and non-medical mask performance with influence of marine waste microplastics (polypropylene)
This study used recycled marine microplastics made of polypropylene to manufacture face mask fabric through the melt-blown process. The researchers found they could produce effective masks while reusing ocean plastic waste, offering a way to address both microplastic pollution and mask demand. However, the long-term effects of wearing masks made from recycled microplastic materials on respiratory health need further study.