We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Production and Characterization of Waste Mask Reinforced Polyester Composite
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers produced and characterized polyester composites reinforced with ground waste COVID-19 masks at 0-10% by mass, finding that increasing mask content decreased density and Shore D hardness while raising porosity, thermal conductivity, and activation energy.
In this research, waste masks (WM) that pollute the environment have been evaluated in the polyester composite. Some physical and chemical properties of the obtained composite have been characterized. In particular, its density, Shore D hardness, thermal conductivity, thermal stability, and porosity have been determined. Waste masks were collected, disinfect, ground, dried and added into unsaturated polyester (UP) at the rates of 0 %, 2 %, 5 %, 7 %, and 10 % by mass as a filler. Mask wastes were reinforced to the unsaturated polyester in certain proportions and were homogenized thoroughly for 10 minutes at a mixing speed of 1000 rpm. Then, the chemical reaction has been carried out with the help of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and cobalt octoate (Co Oc) catalysts. The chemical bond structure of the produced polyester composites was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR). According to the results, both density and Shore D hardness of the composites decreased as the WM ratios in the composites increased. It has been evaluated that the mechanical strength of the polyester composite and porosity raises with increasing WM ratio. The increase in WM by mass in the polyester composite raises thermal conductivity and activation energy.
More Papers Like This
Mechanical characterizations of waste face masks reinforced polyester composites: Recycling wastes into resources
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers explored recycling discarded face masks into composite materials by combining shredded mask fibers with polyester resin. The resulting composites showed promising mechanical strength comparable to natural fiber alternatives, suggesting that waste face masks could be repurposed rather than ending up as microplastic pollution in the environment.
Property assessment of an eco-friendly mortar reinforced with recycled mask fiber derived from COVID-19 single-use face masks
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed an eco-friendly mortar reinforced with recycled polypropylene fibers from COVID-19 single-use face masks, demonstrating a practical approach to repurposing pandemic waste while reducing environmental microplastic contamination.
Reutilizing Single-Use Surgical Face Masks to Improve the Mechanical Properties of Concrete: A Feasibility Study
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
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
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Effective recycling of disposable medical face masks for sustainable green concrete via a new fiber hybridization technique
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers recycled disposable medical face masks by shredding them into fibers and hybridizing them with basalt fibers in recycled aggregate concrete, finding that the combined fiber approach improved compressive strength by 12%, tensile strength by 26%, and flexural strength by 60% compared to unmodified concrete — meeting structural requirements while diverting mask waste from landfills.
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.