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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.