Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jun Xie, Chengqian Zhang, Yuhan Jia, Jianzhong Fu, Peng Zhao
Summary: This paper proposes a novel continuous separation method based on magneto-Archimedes levitation to handle multiple plastics. Experimental results demonstrate its high efficiency in separating different plastics, along with the additional advantages of low cost and no energy consumption.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ozan Kokkilic, Shiva Mohammadi-Jam, Pengbo Chu, Christopher Marion, Ying Yang, Kristian E. Waters
Summary: Despite being a major global problem, plastic solid waste can be addressed through plastic recycling. Froth flotation technology, with its potential for high efficiency and environmental friendliness, is being researched as a method for plastic solid waste recycling.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuangcheng Fu, Yuchen Qian, Huixin Yuan, Yong Fang
Summary: This paper investigates the influence of cone angles on the separation of light dispersed plastics (PET) and heavy dispersed plastics (PVC) in a hydrocyclone. The results show that different cone angles have different effects on the separation performance, with the Newton efficiency reaching its peak at an optimum cone angle.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xuechun Zhang, Weitong Zhang, Jun Xie, Chengqian Zhang, Jue Fu, Jianzhong Fu, Peng Zhao
Summary: Magnetic projection is a novel separation method that can separate multiple mixed materials efficiently and at low cost, but current limitations include lack of automatic feeding. By using ring magnets instead of square ones, magnetic field strength and separation effectiveness can be improved. Experimental results demonstrate that the new method can effectively and automatically separate plastic mixtures.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ichiro Tsuchimoto, Yuya Kajikawa
Summary: Research into plastic recycling is growing rapidly due to increasing concerns over ocean and land pollution and ecosystem degradation caused by plastic waste. Key research areas include the biodegradability of plastics, bioplastics, life cycle assessment, recycling of electronic waste, and the use of recycled plastics in construction. Developed countries lead many research areas, while developing countries are actively exploring the use of recycled plastics in the construction sector.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Katarina Novakovic, Deepashree Thumbarathy, Marloes Peeters, Mark Geoghegan, Josephine Go Jefferies, Chris Hicks, Danae Manika, Sheng Dai
Summary: Interest in recycling is high, but plastic packaging waste recycling rate has stagnated. New approaches are needed to overcome existing limitations. Proposing the use of specific types of plastic for packaging and efficient separation of individual types for recycling.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mohamed Shaker, Vikash Kumar, Christopher M. Saffron, Muhammad Rabnawaz
Summary: Chemical recycling is an effective way to recycle contaminated and mixed plastics waste. This study reports two important discoveries: the use of table salt for the low temperature pyrolysis of mixed polyolefins, which significantly increases oil and gas contents without producing undesirable wax, and the successful pyrolysis of metallized plastics using table salt. These findings suggest that table salt can be a transformative approach for inexpensive and efficient pyrolysis of mixed plastics waste.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chen-Hua Wang, Hsin-Tien Lin
Summary: Packaging accounts for the largest demand in global plastic consumption, with around 60% used for food and beverage packaging. Our study quantified the food packaging generation from major supermarket and convenience store chains in Taipei, Taiwan, and found that 64.99% of the packaging was recycled. Identifying limitations in different stages and designing corresponding strategies is crucial to promote plastic food packaging recycling.
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. C. (Thanos) Bourtsalas, Isabela Maria Yepes, Yixi Tian
Summary: This study examines the regional implications of China's 2017 import ban on plastic waste by analyzing U.S. census data. The study finds a significant decrease in total U.S. plastic waste exports, with California remaining the top exporter and Malaysia becoming the largest importer. The ban also leads to a change in the composition of exported plastic waste and highlights the environmental and human health impacts of exporting plastic waste.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Jaworski C. Capricho, Krishnamurthy Prasad, Nishar Hameed, Mostafa Nikzad, Nisa Salim
Summary: The review presents promising approaches to solving the problem of polystyrene waste and discusses the characteristics, lifecycle, and impact of recycling on its structure. Hybrid technologies are considered to have the highest potential. Furthermore, the review explores the correlation between polystyrene upcycling methods and frontier technologies.
Article
Polymer Science
Mohamad Hassan Akhras, Paul J. Freudenthaler, Klaus Straka, Joerg Fischer
Summary: This study presents an open-loop recycling process for a specific type of plastic waste. Two methods of waste collection, informal and formal, were used to obtain high-density polyethylene beverage bottle caps. The materials were then sorted, shredded, regranulated, and injection-molded into a frisbee. Various tests were conducted to observe changes in the material throughout the recycling process. The study found that informal collection produced a purer input stream and resulted in lower melt mass-flow rate. The presence of polypropylene cross-contamination affected the properties of the materials.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Dagang Lin, Yu Fu, Xiaodie Li, Lingli Wang, Meiru Hou, Dongdong Hu, Qingchao Li, Zhen Zhang, Chunxiao Xu, Sifan Qiu, Zhaohui Wang, Grzegorz Boczkaj
Summary: This review summarizes the various applications of persulfate (PS) in addition to pollutant decontamination, including solid waste treatment and regeneration of ecomaterials. The possible reaction mechanisms are elaborated, and the differences between PS treatment and conventional technologies are highlighted. The challenges, research needs, and future prospects are discussed to promote the development of PS-based oxidation processes in niche environmental fields.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhanyun Wang, Antonia Praetorius
Summary: This study highlights the impact of chemical substances in plastics on the technological solutions for plastic pollution and provides concrete recommendations for integrating the chemical aspects into the global plastic treaty.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Rahul Tiwari, Numanuddin Azad, Deblina Dutta, Bholu Ram Yadav, Sunil Kumar
Summary: Plastic waste is on the rise due to urbanisation and globalization, with India being one of the top producers. Only a small percentage of plastic produced in India is recycled. This study explores mechanical and chemical recycling methods, as well as less carbon-intensive plastic degrading strategies using biodegradation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ayah Alassali, Caterina Picuno, Zhi Kai Chong, Jinyang Guo, Roman Maletz, Kerstin Kuchta
Summary: This paper critically reviews the topics of plastics recycling, circular economy on plastics, and challenges to plastic waste recycling, emphasizing that the quality of recycled plastic is generally determined by the homogeneity of the recovered plastic feed. A total of 682 related studies were used to assess the changing research priorities from 1950 until 2020.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhengyang Dong, Peng Zhao, Jianguo Zheng, Kaipeng Ji, Yuhong Chen, Jianzhong Fu
Summary: The proposed IGAO method utilizes batch information for self-learning without establishing a large number of experimental models, with fast convergence, 25% fewer steps, good stability, and is suitable for parameter optimization in batch processes.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chengqian Zhang, Daofan Tang, Mingyi Cao, Fu Gu, Xiangyu Cai, Xuetao Liu, Zhaoyu Cheng, Philip Hall, Jianzhong Fu, Peng Zhao
Summary: The MagLev configuration proposed in this study can separate substances with specific densities over 5.00 g/cm(3), showing great potential in heavy metal recycling by effectively separating different metal materials with high recovery rates and purities.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jianfeng Guo, Chao Deng, Fu Gu
Summary: This empirical study examines the impact of vaccination on human behaviors and COVID-19 transmission using a structural equation modeling. The results suggest that the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, from a non-pharmaceutical perspective, is related to human behaviors, specifically mobility. Vaccination slows down the spread of COVID-19 in regions where vaccination is negatively correlated with mobility, but this effect is not observed in regions where vaccination and mobility are positively correlated. The study highlights the significance of mobility in realizing the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and emphasizes the importance of non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as social distancing, even with widespread vaccination.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Ruoxiang Gao, Hao Chen, Zhezai Hu, Xuewen Cheng, Shiquan Gao, Shaohua Zhou, Peng Zhao
Summary: This study presents a novel method for predicting product strength by analyzing weld line and fiber orientation in injection molding, and successfully applies it to the gate design of an aerospace product. The results indicate that this method has great potential for mold design, product structure design, and process optimization.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jinghui Yang, Jun Xie, Kaipeng Ji, Xianghong Wang, Xiaolong Jiao, Zhinong Xu, Peng Zhao
Summary: Microcellular PEEK with a weight reduction of 49.6% was prepared by mold-opening microcellular injection molding (MOMIM). Incremental holding time and holding pressure could increase PEEK's density and promote the formation of dense cells, improving mechanical properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Junye Huang, Peng Zhao, Chengqian Zhang, Jun Xie, Neng Xia, Jianzhong Fu
Summary: This article proposes a method to analyze the diamagnetic forces sustained by levitated pyrolytic graphite (PG) in order to investigate the mechanism of stable levitation. By dividing the PG disk into multiple regions, the resultant diamagnetic force can be determined, and the relationship between the size of the magnet and the disk and its ability of stable levitation is clarified.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MAGNETICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Chaojie Zhuo, Kaipeng Ji, Jun Xie, Xuewen Cheng, Xiaolong Jiao, Sheng Ye, Jianzhong Fu, Peng Zhao
Summary: This study proposes a non-intrusive ultrasonic measurement method based on minimum entropy blind deconvolution for measuring tie-bar stress in molding equipment. The results show that the method has high precision and low relative error. Compared to traditional methods, this approach does not require human intervention and helps achieve automation in stress measurement.
MEASUREMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaoqing Zhang, Jianwei Xiong, Fengzhen Chang, Zhuijun Xu, Zheng Wang, Philip Hall, Ya-Jun Cheng, Yonggao Xia
Summary: In this study, a novel and facile sol/antisolvent coating modification method was developed to repair the crack defects of the NCM cathode by coating LiBO2 nanoclusters, providing good mechanical integrity and improving the initial Coulombic efficiency, rate capability, and fast charge property.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Kaipeng Ji, Peng Zhao, Xiaowei Zhou, Yuhong Chen, Zhengyang Dong, Jianguo Zheng, Jianzhong Fu, Huamin Zhou
Summary: This paper proposes a novel initialization method, UPPSO, for particle swarm optimization (PSO), which improves optimization performance by uniformly distributing particle positions and velocities in the response space. When applied to parameter estimation, UPPSO outperforms other algorithms in obtaining optimal parameters and exhibits competitive computational performance.
APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTATION
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mingkai Li, Samuel D. Widijatmoko, Zheng Wang, Philip Hall
Summary: The availability of critical metals is crucial for the transition to renewable and low-carbon energy production. Recycling of critical metals from waste solar panels can enhance sustainability, although current recycling methods have limitations. This study investigates a mechanical process to liberate and concentrate critical metals from CIGS thin-film solar panels.
Article
Polymer Science
Xuemei Li, Fan Liu, Jun Xie, Chengqian Zhang, Ruoxiang Gao, Chenxin Lyu, Peng Zhao
Summary: This study aims to reduce the metallic impurities of parts and improve the wet processes environment. The impurities distribution of injection molds was examined, showing even distribution. The influence of process parameters on metallic contamination was investigated through orthogonal experiment, with injection rate having the greatest impact. By optimizing the process, the smallest metallic contamination of 1.077 μg/m² for PFA pipe joints was achieved, reducing by 56.3% compared with previous results. This research suggests that adjusting parameters is a feasible and effective method to reduce contamination during injection molding, providing another idea for improving cleanliness in chip manufacturing.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yingwen Wu, Fu Gu, Yangjian Ji, Shaochao Ma, Jianfeng Guo
Summary: The objective of promoting electric vehicle adoption is to reduce PM2.5 emissions. Through an empirical investigation, we find that EV adoption significantly alleviates PM2.5 pollution, but the effect weakens with increasing EV penetration. Meteorological and socioeconomic factors also weaken the negative relationship between EV adoption and PM2.5 concentrations.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhengchuan Guo, Jun Xie, Chengqian Zhang, Ying Zheng, Liang Jin, Jinghui Yang, Peng Zhao
Summary: In this study, a post-treatment method was applied to enhance the tensile strength of PEEK fibers, generating up to a 69% increase. Optical measurements, uniaxial tensile tests, differential scanning calorimetry, and two-dimensional-wide angle X-ray diffraction were used to quantitatively investigate the effects of post-treatment process parameters on the diameter shrinkage ratio, mechanical properties, and aggregated state structure of PEEK fibers. The findings revealed that the improved fiber orientation, resulting from increased post-treatment temperature and constant tensile force, was the main factor contributing to the significant increase in uniaxial tensile strength. Moreover, mathematical models were developed to describe the linear relationship between the diameter shrinkage ratio and post-treatment temperature, as well as the uniaxial tensile strength and constant tensile force. These insights offer valuable guidance for enhancing the strength and controlling the morphology and mechanical properties of PEEK fibers during production.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhengchuan Guo, Jun Xie, Jinghui Yang, Jianzhong Fu, Peng Zhao
Summary: Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a high-performance polymer, is widely used as an ideal metal replacement. This study introduces a rapid mold temperature rising technology based on induction heating, which effectively meets the requirements of rapid temperature increase and maintenance for PEEK injection molding. The experimental results show that compared to traditional electric heating, the induction heating method significantly improves the surface quality and mechanical properties of PEEK products, and it also shows adaptability to longer holding times for micro-open microporous injection molding, expanding the possibilities for developing higher performance PEEK foam products.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Review
Optics
M. Munzer Alseed, Sajjad Rahmani Dabbagh, Peng Zhao, Oguzhan Ozcan, Savas Tasoglu
Summary: Magnetic levitation is a density-based technique that suspends objects using magnetic and gravitational forces. Recent advancements in portable smartphone-based MagLev setups have enabled applications in microparticle sorting, disease diagnosis, and other fields, making the technology more accessible and user-friendly.
ADVANCED OPTICAL TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojian Liu, Bei Wang, Yayun Ma, Xiangyang Zhou, Juan Yang, Yuehui He, Jingjing Tang, Fanyun Su, Wan Yang
Summary: This study proposes a combined process of reduction roasting of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid leaching to improve the recovery efficiency of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing the reducing gas produced from the pyrolysis of herb-medicine residue, the layered structure of the cathode powder is destroyed and converted into Li2CO3, Ni, Co, and MnO. Additionally, selective extraction of lithium is achieved using oxalic acid, and the efficiency and kinetics of lithium extraction are improved under the combined action of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muxina Konarova, Nuno Batalha, Gabriel Fraga, Mohamed H. M. Ahmed, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock
Summary: This study presents a proof of concept for a technology that integrates PET recovery from mixed plastic waste and plastic pyrolysis. By depolymerizing PET into TPA using a low volatility oil as medium, it achieves low-pressure operation and a selective separation and recovery of TPA from the product mix. Full PET conversion and high TPA recovery were achieved, making it an effective solution for processing mixed waste streams and improving the yield and quality of liquid product from thermal pyrolysis compared to untreated feedstock.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhua Sun, Jing Li, Xuejiang Wang, Siqing Xia, Jianfu Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the influence of in-situ formed MgFe2O4 on the hydrothermal treatment of swine manure. The results showed that the in-situ formation of MgFe2O4 improved the dehydration and decarboxylation of organic components in swine manure, thereby improving its carbonization degree. Furthermore, it enhanced the stabilization of heavy metals and the retention of phosphorus. MgFe2O4 modified hydrochars exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cu(II) without any leaching of heavy metals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yijing Jiang, Boyang Leng, Jingxin Xi
Summary: The increased generation of municipal solid waste has had a significant impact on the economy, environment, and public health. The current waste treatment process has limitations. By developing a comprehensive social costing model, this study assesses the impacts of municipal solid waste management throughout its life cycle and provides policymakers with best practices and feasibility information.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marina Hernandes de Paula e Silva, Ricardo Coser Mergulha, Jose Geraldo Vidal Vieira, Andrea Brasco Pampanelli, Rodrigo Salvador, Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
Summary: This study developed and implemented a self-assessment tool to assist companies in decision-making processes for establishing circular flows based on Lean Manufacturing and Circular Economy principles. The tool utilized a maturity model and was applied to nine companies of varying characteristics. The findings revealed that certain companies showed higher maturity in water-waste and chemical-emissions management, with larger enterprises focusing on these strategies. However, many companies lacked sufficient training and employee awareness prior to seeking cleaner alternatives, and comprehensive actions to manage the product lifecycle were lacking. To address these gaps, the tool provided tailored recommendations for each company to improve their processes, products, and value chain.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gamze Dogdu, Turgay Pekdemir, Sanaz Lakestani, Seyda Karabork, Osman Cavus
Summary: This paper presents data on food waste associated with mini size food packaging services, highlighting the difficulties in emptying the food and consumer wastefulness as the main causes. These findings have significant implications for the sustainability of food and relevant packaging.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingxia Li, Xin Kong, Yuxin Chen, Jianan Niu, Jia Jing, Jin Yuan, Yifeng Zhang
Summary: This study investigates how to enhance methane production from food waste after hydrothermal pretreatment. The results demonstrate a significant increase in methane yield when zero-valent iron and magnetite are used together, and high organic loading is favorable for methane production. Microbial diversity analysis further reveals the dominant pathways and metabolic processes involved in methane generation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
D. H. H. Sim, I. A. W. Tan, L. L. P. Lim, E. T. Lau, B. H. Hameed
Summary: The development of controlled-release fertilizer formulation is important for preventing environmental pollution caused by nutrient leaching and volatilization. This study combined biochar-based fertilizer with encapsulation technology to improve the nutrient release mechanism. Optimal conditions for synthesizing urea-impregnated biochar (UIB) were determined using central composite design, and the release of nitrogen was described by mathematical models. Results showed that encapsulated UIB (EUIB) achieved complete release of nitrogen in water and exhibited improved water retention in sandy-textural soil. Therefore, EUIB derived from peppercorn waste has the potential to be used as a sustainable controlled-release fertilizer for agriculture.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchuan Wang, Neslihan Akdeniz
Summary: Incorporating biochar into composting systems can increase compost temperatures. This study developed a heat transfer model for a biochar-amended co-composting system and found that biochar increased thermal conductive losses but also enhanced microbial activity, resulting in an overall increase in total heat unit. When biochar was applied on the surface, it mainly functioned as an insulator.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
George Tsalis, Birger Boutrup Jensen, Jessica Aschemann-Witzel
Summary: This paper empirically explores the relationship between retail price promotions and household food waste. The results show that households with a higher proportion of discount food purchases and environmental awareness tend to waste less food, while larger households and those lacking food handling skills tend to waste more food.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lukas Friederici, Arne Koch, Patrick Martens, Jana Pantzke, Sebastiano Di Bucchianico, Thorsten Streibel, Christopher P. Rueger, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: The increasing demand for lightweight materials has led to a rise in fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) production. However, the properties and compositional range of FRPs pose challenges to recycling strategies. Pyrolysis has emerged as a promising method for separating the fibers from the polymer matrix. This study investigated the pyrolysis process using thermal analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and also assessed the toxicity of the recovered fibers using an in vitro model.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Devika Kannan, Shakiba Khademolqorani, Nassibeh Janatyan, Somaieh Alavi
Summary: This paper introduces Smart Waste Management (SWM) that applies Industry 4.0 technologies in waste management. A framework called SWM4.0 is developed, which highlights the importance of smart people, smart cities, smart enterprises, and smart factories in achieving successful waste management. The paper also suggests future research directions and managerial implications.