| Title |
Sustainable Solution for Plastic Pollution: Upcycling Waste Polypropylene Masks for Effective Oil-Spill Management |
| ID_Doc |
7979 |
| Authors |
Saleem, J; Moghal, ZKB; Shakoor, RA; McKay, G |
| Title |
Sustainable Solution for Plastic Pollution: Upcycling Waste Polypropylene Masks for Effective Oil-Spill Management |
| Year |
2023 |
| Published |
International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 24, 15 |
| DOI |
10.3390/ijms241512368 |
| Abstract |
The use of Polypropylene PP in disposable items such as face masks, gloves, and personal protective equipment has increased exponentially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing significantly to microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment. Upcycling of waste PP provides a useful alternative to traditional thermal and mechanical recycling techniques. It transforms waste PP into useful products, minimizing its impact on the environment. Herein, we synthesized an oil-sorbent pouch using waste PP, which comprises superposed microporous and fibrous thin films of PP using spin coating. The pouch exhibited super-fast uptake kinetics and reached its saturation in fewer than five minutes with a high oil uptake value of 85 g/g. Moreover, it displayed high reusability and was found to be effective in absorbing oil up to seven times when mechanically squeezed between each cycle, demonstrating robust oil-sorption capabilities. This approach offers a potential solution for managing plastic waste while promoting a circular economy. |
| Author Keywords |
microporous; polypropylene; plastic waste; microplastic; pouch; oil sorbent; face masks |
| Index Keywords |
Index Keywords |
| Document Type |
Other |
| Open Access |
Open Access |
| Source |
Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) |
| EID |
WOS:001046229000001 |
| WoS Category |
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Chemistry, Multidisciplinary |
| Research Area |
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Chemistry |
| PDF |
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/15/12368/pdf?version=1690986409
|