Morphology, Chemical Characterization and Sources of Microplastics in a Coastal City in The Equatorial Zone With Diverse Anthropogenic Activities (Fortaleza City, Brazil)

The aim of the present study was to perform morphological and chemical characterizations of microplastics (MPs) found in seawater samples from the coast of the city of Fortaleza (CE) using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Sampling was performed using a neuston sampler. MPs were separated based on the difference in density. MPs with varied morphologies were found. Fibers and fragments were the most abundant (57% and 36.2%, respectively). FTIR, Raman spectroscopy and DSC confirmed the presence of polyurethane and alkyd resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide blends, thermoplastic rubber and polyester fibers. Many studies have chemically characterized plastic materials using FTIR, Raman spectroscopy and DSC and common MPs, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide and polyester, have been characterized. However, characterization becomes more complex when MPs are less common particles, weathered particles and blends of polymers and additives. There is also less information on these types of MPs in commercial polymer databases. Therefore, the MP spectra obtained in this study can serve as a database to compare and characterize common as well as less common, more complex MPs.

Improvement of mechanical, thermal and morphostructural properties of SBS thermoplastic elastomer using kaolin and dolomite microparticles with modified surface

The aim of this paper was to assess the influence of the modification of the surface of dolomite and kaolin with SiO2 and TiO2 precursors, on the block copolymer styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) type thermoplastic rubber properties. These composite materials were obtained by compounding SBS with various ratio of powders. Based on the SEM images it can conclude that the powders were homogenously dispersed in to the SBS matrix. The dolomite particles can be clearly identified in the SEM images as particles of 10 micrometers. The samples obtained with modified dolomite have similar morphology. The EDS elemental distribution confirming a good corroboration between the elements of the dolomite, kaolin and titanium or silicon elements. Based on the thermal analysis according to the residual mass, the presence of 20% mineral phase can be confirmed. According to the DSC curves a strong stabilization of the composite appears, because of the presence of the mineral component. According to the physical-mechanical data all the composite materials exhibit improved mechanical properties. Additionally, the modification of the kaolin and/or dolomite bring important improvements in mechanical properties. The samples 13 and 14 exhibit high tensile and tear strength. These composites can be used for various applications, such as, for instance, soles for firefighters' footwear.

LIFE GREENSHOES4ALL - Footwear environmental footprint

One important step towards sustainability in footwear industries is to measure and tune the environmental impact a product makes throughout its life cycle. By performing a product’s life cycle assessment (LCA), the footwear value chain can produce footwear more responsibly, economically and in an eco-friendly way by addressing the three pillars of sustainability. LIFEGreenShoes4All teams are conducting LCA studies in representative footwear models ranging from fashion to safety footwear, with uppers in leather or textiles; midsoles in polyurethane foam (PU) or ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA); soles in vulcanized rubber, thermoplastic rubber (TR), EVA and others. These studies make possible to identify and quantify the most relevant life cycle stages, contributing to the most relevant impact categories (e. g, climate change, resource use), helping companies on the definition of how their footwear environmental performance may be improved. Considering the results, the higher contributors are materials and components, followed by waste from manufacturing and end-of-life. The creative design phase plays a significant role in footwear life cycle sustainability impact. The implementation of eco-design on the product conception is crucial to reduce the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF). LIFEGreenShoes4All is being developed by 9 partners AMF, APICCAPS, ATLANTA, CEC, CTCP, EVATHINK, ICPI, INESCOP, FICE and PESTOS (https://www.greenshoes4all.eu/).

The study on coffee biomass composite materials and their application on green golf grip

In this study, we combine the biodegradable plastic with petrochemical plastics to prepare a biomass elastomer. In addition to the energy saving and carbon footprint reduction, it is safer than traditional one. A biomass Polylactide (PLA) and coffee slag were blended with thermoplastic rubber (TPR), and an environmentally friendly, low-carbon-footprint golf club grip was prepared. The product has higher deodorization ability than traditional one and is comfortable as well. The recipes design, coupling and toughening mechanism, and compounding technology are discussed in this study. The resulted PLA/TPR/coffee composite has tensile strength 213.6 kgf/cm2, which is higher than TPR of 181.0 kgf/cm2. The coefficient of friction (COF) is 4 kg and hardness is Shore A 56, furthermore, it can deodorize 85% ammonia within 2 h, which fits the market requirement.

Thermal Properties of Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) Reinforced with Polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) Particle Polymer Composite

Thermal exploration of thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and its composites has been playing a vital role in polymer industries during the past few decades. TPR is a compound which shows a thermoplastic character over its melting temperature and has elastomeric conduct within its design temperature range without cross-linking during fabrication. PTFE particles have a high temperature application and discover the best filler particle in the composite. Samples of 100% TPR and 10% PTFE by weight, 20% PTFE by weight mixed specimens with TPR were prepared by utilizing Injection molding strategies. Test results demonstrate PTFE filler included composites displaying high thermal conductivities.