Durability Analysis of Formaldehyde/Solid Urban Waste Blends

Abstract

Following the innovative research activity carried out in the framework of the POIROT (Italian acronym of dOmotic Platform for Inertization and tRaceability of Organic wasTe) Project, this work aims to optimize the composition of the blends between the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and formaldehyde-based resins, in order to improve the durability properties. To this aim, in this work, commercial urea-formaldehyde and melamine-formaldehyde powder polymers have been proposed for the inertization of the OFMSW, according to the previous optimized OFMSW-transformation process. A preliminary study about the mechanical properties of the composite panels produced with the different resins was carried out by evaluating compressive, flexural, and tensile performances of the panels. Artificial weathering by cyclic (heating–cooling) and boiling tests were carried out and the mechanical properties were evaluated in order to assess the resistance of the panels to water and humidity. The melamine-formaldehyde based resin had the best performances also when subjected to the weathering tests and despite the higher content of resin in the composites, the panels produced with melamine-formaldehyde have the lowest values of release of formaldehyde minimizing their potential hazard level.

Optimizing Flame Retardancy and Durability of Melamine-Formaldehyde/Solid-Urban-Waste Composite Panels

“…Efficient solutions for increasing the environmental sustainability of modern cities have become a top priority for the quality of life of their inhabitants. In our previous research [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ], we proposed an innovative and effective solution for this problem. In detail, we designed and manufactured a prototype platform able to reuse the organic fraction of the municipal solid waste (OFMSW) to produce inertized and valorized panels and artifacts of different shapes.…”

“…In detail, we designed and manufactured a prototype platform able to reuse the organic fraction of the municipal solid waste (OFMSW) to produce inertized and valorized panels and artifacts of different shapes. The addition of melamine-formaldehyde based resin to OFMSW gave the most efficient inertization and valorization of the waste [ 4 ]. Compared to the urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin, melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resin improved the mechanical performance pre and post artificial weathering and mitigated the human health hazard by reducing the formaldehyde release.…”

“…The POIROT (Italian acronym of dOmotic Platform for Inertization and tRaceability of Organic wasTe) is a prototype equipment which provides a conversion procedure for the transformation of organic wastes into a completely inert and reusable material [ 4 ]. The transformation process implemented in POIROT is divided into five sub-processes (i.e., pretreatment, valorization, manufacture, control, and identification); each of them has specific functions that are detailed below.…”

“…Diagnostics were performed throughout the entire transformation process by means of sensors monitoring the physical-chemical properties of the pristine organic waste, the intermediate product and the waste water [ 2 , 4 ]. In the valorization sub-process, the pre-treated OFMSW was modified by the addition of a melamine-formaldehyde based resin that conferred suitable physical and mechanical properties on the recycled panels and, thus, allowed an effective reuse and recycling of the organic waste.…”

3D Printing of Polymer Waste for Improving People’s Awareness about Marine Litter

“…Nowadays, huge population growth and the associated use of polymers for disposable objects and packaging cause uncontrolled waste production, with consequent serious problems due to its management and disposal [ 1 ]. In particular, a great challenge for waste management is linked to the uncontrolled waste stream coming from different sources [ 2 , 3 ].…”