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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to 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
ClearMechanical 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.
Review of the valorization options for the proper disposal of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers reviewed waste management options for the surge in discarded polypropylene face masks during COVID-19, finding that improper disposal contributes directly to microplastic pollution, and proposing valorization strategies — including energy recovery and material upcycling — tailored to country-level infrastructure and emergency conditions.
Mechanical characterizations of waste face masks reinforced polyester composites: Recycling wastes into resources
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.
Disposal and resource utilization of waste masks: a review
Researchers reviewed current methods for disposing of and repurposing waste face masks — including mechanical recycling, catalytic pyrolysis for hydrogen production, and solvent-based dissolution — identifying solvent-based approaches as especially promising for converting mask polypropylene into multifunctional materials.
Recycling of Polymer Components From Waste Face Masks for Asphalt Modification: A Mini Review
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.
COVID-19 disposable face masks: a precursor for synthesis of valuable bioproducts
Researchers proposed converting pandemic-era disposable face masks — made from thermoplastic polymers such as polypropylene — into valuable bioproducts through chemical or biological upcycling, framing mask waste management as both an environmental and secondary biosafety challenge requiring urgent circular-economy solutions.
Plastic Waste Management towards Energy Recovery during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Example of Protective Face Mask Pyrolysis
Researchers analyzed the elemental composition and pyrolysis behavior of COVID-19 protective face masks, finding that pyrolysis at 400-900 degrees Celsius could effectively recover energy from pandemic-related plastic waste that overwhelmed conventional waste management systems.
Face Masks to Combat Coronavirus (COVID-19)—Processing, Roles, Requirements, Efficacy, Risk and Sustainability
This review examines the materials, manufacturing methods, and effectiveness of face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of which are made from non-biodegradable plastics like polypropylene and polyester. Researchers found that while masks are effective at reducing virus transmission, their widespread use and improper disposal have created a significant environmental concern as they break down into microplastics. The study calls for more sustainable mask materials and better waste management strategies to reduce the environmental footprint of pandemic-related plastic waste.
Recycling of disposable single-use face masks to mitigate microfiber pollution
Researchers mechanically recycled discarded disposable face masks into polypropylene-cotton blended fabrics, demonstrating an 83% reduction in microfiber release across the product lifecycle compared to masks, though complete elimination of fiber shedding was not achievable due to the inherent properties of textile materials.
A Safe Collection Process of Covid-19 Disposable Face Masks for the Applications in Asphalt Pavements
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.
Property assessment of an eco-friendly mortar reinforced with recycled mask fiber derived from COVID-19 single-use face masks
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.
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.
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.
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.
Identification of Face Mask Waste Generation and Processing in Tourist Areas with Thermo-Chemical Process
Researchers assessed face mask waste generation in tourist areas and evaluated thermo-chemical processing as a disposal method, measuring the effectiveness of thermal treatment for reducing pandemic-era mask waste on beaches.
Synthesis and characterization of microparticles from artificial medical mask waste by freeze-drying method
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.
A Novel Face Masks and it’s Utility during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comprehensive Review
This review examines the technical specifications, materials, and engineering advances of face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic, including both commercial and homemade options. Researchers discuss the environmental impact of disposable masks, noting that their widespread use has contributed to microplastic pollution as mask materials degrade. The study highlights the need for mask designs that balance effective viral protection with reduced environmental contamination.
Production and Characterization of Waste Mask Reinforced Polyester Composite
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.
Repurposing the disposable face masks in hot mix asphalt: Enhancing pavement performance and addressing plastic waste pollution
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.
Face Mask Wastes as Cementitious Materials: A Possible Solution to a Big Concern
Researchers investigated the use of waste surgical masks as a cementitious additive in mortars without pretreatment, addressing the dual problem of pandemic-era mask waste and microplastic contamination. The study evaluated the mechanical and environmental performance of mortars incorporating mask materials as part of circular economy waste management.
Advance Analysis of the Obtained Recycled Materials from Used Disposable Surgical Masks
Researchers performed advanced material analysis on recyclates obtained from used disposable surgical masks manufactured from different polymers, using surface, morphology, and mechanical testing to characterize polymer blend compositions and properties. They found that incorporating ear loop material into polypropylene melt increased material toughness, with PP and PA6 forming the surface layer while PU and PET distributed predominantly through the interior of injection-molded samples.
Thermogravimetric analysis of face mask waste: Kinetic analysis via iso-conversional methods
Researchers analyzed the thermal decomposition of discarded face masks — which contain plastic microfibers — to evaluate their potential for energy recovery through pyrolysis. The COVID-19 pandemic generated enormous quantities of mask waste, and understanding their thermal behavior can inform strategies for safely processing this new category of plastic waste.
Applicability of Face Masks as Recyclable Raw Materials for Self-Made Insulation Panels
Researchers tested whether used surgical face masks could be repurposed as building insulation panels. The study suggests that mask-based panels perform well as thermal insulators, show acceptable fire resistance and water vapor permeability, and could offer a low-cost way to improve indoor comfort while keeping plastic waste out of landfills.
Face masks: a COVID-19 protector or environmental contaminant?
This review examined how the massive global use of disposable face masks during COVID-19 has created a significant source of microplastic pollution, with billions of masks entering the environment and releasing plastic fibers and chemical contaminants.