Upcycling Alum Sludge as a Reinforcement in PBAT Composites: A Sustainable Approach to Waste Valorisation
Applied Sciences,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
15(5), P. 2591 - 2591
Published: Feb. 27, 2025
This
study
explores
the
valorisation
of
alum
sludge,
a
byproduct
water
treatment
processes,
as
sustainable
reinforcement
material
in
Poly(butylene
adipate-co-terephthalate)
(PBAT)
composites.
The
research
aims
to
address
industrial
waste
challenges
by
developing
eco-friendly
composite
materials
while
promoting
circular
economy
principles.
Alum
sludge
particles,
classified
into
two
size
distributions
(<63
µm
and
<250
µm),
were
incorporated
PBAT
matrices
at
varying
concentrations.
composites
characterised
for
their
mechanical,
thermal,
crystallographic,
moisture
adsorption
properties;
biodegradation
behaviour
was
evaluated
through
soil
burial
tests
over
60
days.
results
revealed
that
63
particle
fraction
exhibited
superior
performance
compared
250
fraction,
demonstrating
improved
mechanical
properties,
reduced
degradation
rates,
enhanced
interfacial
bonding.
Composites
with
5
wt.%
achieved
balance
between
processability,
outperforming
other
filler
concentrations
examined.
innovative
approach
highlights
potential
upcycling
functional
materials,
advancing
management
manufacturing.
Furthermore,
observed
variation
rates
suggests
these
can
be
tailored
applications
requiring
controlled
compostability.
Language: Английский
Utilizing “Reverse Compatibility” to Construct Interface Interlocking Structures to Improve the Mechanical Properties and Degradability of PBAT/HDPE and Application in Sewage Treatment
Zhimao Li,
No information about this author
Can Wang,
No information about this author
Jia Mi
No information about this author
et al.
Journal of Applied Polymer Science,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: April 22, 2025
ABSTRACT
Inspired
by
the
mortise
and
tenon
structure
in
ancient
Chinese
architecture,
polymer
composites
with
interfacial
interlocking
structures
were
developed
utilizing
“reverse
compatibility”
between
polymers
inorganic
fillers,
porous
materials
obtained
for
wastewater
purification
after
degradation
of
composites.
In
detail,
PBATT
or
HDPEF
prepared
poly
(butylene
adipate‐co‐terephthalate)
(PBAT)
high‐density
polyethylene
(HDPE)
blended
montmorillonite
(MTT)
Mica
flour
(MF)
possessing
opposite
compatibility.
Afterward,
mass
ratios
1/9
2/8
re‐blended
to
obtain
PBATT/HDPEF
a
“zipper”
“mortise
tenon”
interface
structure.
Firstly,
compared
PBAT/HDPE‐2/8
composites,
PBATT/HDPEF‐2/8
exhibited
excellent
mechanical
properties,
including
tensile
strength
enhanced
25%
tear
improved
14.1%.
Moreover,
formed
fillers
advanced
hydrophilicity,
water
permeability,
properties
Remarkably,
smaller
contact
angle
(WAC)
(65.9°),
more
considerable
WAC
difference
within
same
period
(6.1°),
significant
weight
loss
(4.5%)
displayed
than
other
samples.
More
interestingly,
preparation
cycle
was
shortened
at
conducive
adsorption
heavy
metal
ions.
Language: Английский