Lab-Scale Twin-Screw Micro-Compounders as a New Rubber-Mixing Tool: ‘A Comparison on EPDM/Carbon Black and EPDM/Silica Composites’

The research and development (R&D) in rubber formulation development require reproducible, repeatable, fast, accurate, and efficient sample preparation. The lab-scale formulation development is conventionally carried out using small-scale internal mixers and two-roll mills. However, high torque laboratory twin-screw micro-compounder, which have been serving the plastic industry for more than 30 years, can be used to formulate new rubber compounds for fast and accurate sample preparation that on top can contribute to the economics of R&D. In this study, we investigated the possibility of using lab-scale 15 mL high torque twin-screw micro-compounder as a tool for new rubber compound development. For this purpose, we formulated EPDM/carbon black and EPDM/silica recipes through conventional way using a Banbury mixer followed by a two-roll mill, and through the possible way using a lab-scale 15 mL twin-screw micro-compounder. We crosslinked both systems via hot press at a predefined temperature and time. The rheological and mechanical properties of the compounds were investigated. Moreover, the dispersion of carbon black and silica in the EPDM matrix was judged by DisperGrader and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The conventional way of sample preparation was compared with a possible sample preparation method based on materials’ parameters and ease of operation.

Microplastics in the Food Chain

Currently, microplastics represent a widespread contamination found in almost every part of the environment. The plastic industry has generated waste since the 1950s, which unfortunately now counts in the millions. The largest share of plastic consumption is used to produce packaging materials, including those applied in the food industry. The versatility of plastic materials is mainly due to their lightness, flexibility, strength, and persistence. Although plastic materials are widely used due to their beneficial properties, contamination of the environment with microplastics and nanoplastics is an emerging problem worldwide. This type of contamination is endangering animal life and thus also the food chain and public health. This review summarizes the knowledge about microplastics in the food chain. The effect of microplastics on the food chain has been particularly studied in marine organisms, and research deals less with other food commodities. Therefore, based on the studied literature, we can conclude that the issue is still not sufficiently examined, and should be paid more attention to maintain the health of the population.

Impact of Training on Employees Performance and Job Satisfaction: An Empirical Study of Plastic Industry of Hayatabad Industrial Estate

In today era of knowledge economy where organizations excel due to its human capital in order to provide quality product and service. The human capital can only be effective if organizations provide effective trainings to its employees regularly and need basis. Such training leads to not only over all organization’s development but it affects the job satisfaction and performance of employees. The research purposes are to know about the title of the research which is conducted about Plastic Industry of Hayatabad, District Peshawar. A total of 184 middle and lower managers were selected for the study through proportionate stratification sampling technique. Five point Likert scales, adopted and used by several researchers, were utilized for the research study. The results of study found that employee’s training has a major significant impact on employee performance and job satisfaction. The results also revealed that training has a positive correlation among the two variables. The research study recommended several recommendations such as provision of on the job and of the job trainings through systematic training program, establishment of a training center, linking trainings with the strategic plan of the firms.

Application of Industrial Engineering Techniques for Continuous Improvement in Plastic Industry

Industrial engineering is a specified field of engineering that deals with the design, improvement, and installation of integrated systems such as of people, materials, and energy in industry. Industrial engineers use specialized knowledge and skills in the mathematical, physical and social sciences, together with the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design, to specify, predict, and evaluate the results obtained from systems and processes. As the present condition of the company is capable to some extent, but it is not sufficient as it looks. But it also faces some problems due to some improper arrangement like no proper storage system, proper material handling component, improper layout and improper arrangement of working tools. So to overcome these problems in the company, industrial engineering and its techniques can be used. By applying industrial engineering and its techniques there is improvement in companies existing situation and it helps to improve productivity and profit of the company. Problems identified in the company Atharva Moulds Pvt. Ltd. are storage department problem, company layout, material handling problem, 5s and safety issues. This problems are sort by using various engineering techniques such as, 5s, layout improvement, material handling, maintenance, safety, etc tools and productivity is improved. Keywords: Industrial Engineering, Productivity, Engineering Techniques,

Biobased plastic: A plausible solution to carbon neutrality in plastic industry

Biobased plastic combined with plastic recycling could be a plausible solution for achieving carbon neutrality by plastic industry. Herein we use production data, emission factors, and future plastic demands (2021-2060) to build a model, evaluating carbon neutrality under five scenarios. Our simulation indicates that carbon neutrality can be achieved by 2060 when biobased plastics takes 90% of plastic production with near 50% of recycling ratio. The amount of carbon captured through photosynthesis surpasses that of carbon released through plastic life cycle. Recycling reduces virgin plastic production, which is the primary carbon source. A one-fold increase in the use of recycled plastics could lead to a three-fold reduction of virgin plastic production. Existing plastics stored 6.82 giga tons of carbon (GtC) in 2020, serving as an artificial carbon reservoir never recognized before. This carbon reservoir will expand to 23.0 and 27.4 GtC under 22% and 50% recycling scenarios, respectively, by 2060.

An Overview of Bioplastic Research on Its Relation to National Policies

There is an increasing concern about fossil energy and products derived from it. The plastic industry depends on oil, and produced plastics cannot degrade naturally. An alternative to plastics from oil is the use of bioplastics, which can be degradable. The bibliometric study of the publications related to bioplastics carried out in this paper shows that research on this topic is growing both in developed (USA, European Union, and Canada) and in developing countries (China, India, Thailand, and Malaysia), mostly following the implementation of bioeconomy standards and labels by their governments. The main authors and the collaborations they have worldwide are also presented here. The research carried out in this paper is not only devoted to technological aspects but also to economic aspects and inhabitant ratios. Trends in publications, by country and authors, are analyzed. Finally, this paper also studies the countries governmental policies and how they impact the bioplastic field.