Low-Temperature Thermal Degradation of Disinfected COVID-19 Non-Woven Polypropylene—Based Isolation Gown Wastes into Carbonaceous Char

Abstract

Yields of carbonaceous char with a high surface area were enhanced by decreasing the temperature to improve the conversion of hazardous plastic polypropylene (PP), the major component in abundantly used isolation gowns. This study applied pyrolysis with different low pyrolytic temperatures to convert disinfected PP-based isolation gown waste (PP-IG) into an optimised amount of char yields. A batch reactor with a horizontal furnace was used to mediate the thermal decomposition of PP-IG. Enhanced surface area and porosity value of PP-IG derived char were obtained via an optimised slow pyrolysis approach. The results showed that the amount of yielded char was inversely proportional to the temperature. This process relied heavily on the process parameters, especially pyrolytic temperature. Additionally, as the heating rate decreased, as well as longer isothermal residence time, the char yields were increased. Optimised temperature for maximum char yields was recorded. The enhanced SBET values for the char and its pore volume were collected, ~24 m2 g−1 and ~0.08 cm3 g−1, respectively. The char obtained at higher temperatures display higher volatilisation and carbonisation. These findings are beneficial for the utilisation of this pyrolysis model in plastic waste management and conversion of PP-IG waste into char for further activated carbon and fuel briquettes applications, with the enhanced char yields, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

CO2 pyrolysis and gasification of COVID‐19 based wastes (overall gown) with Indian high ash coal

“…The photographs of the HAC‐OG residues are given in Figure S2. From the SEM image of the residues shown in Figure 7c, one can observe that the surface of the co‐gasification‐based residue is rough due to the depolymerized structures 35 . In Figure S2b, these structures are clearly visible at higher magnification (5KX).…”

Integration of renewable energy in wastewater treatment during COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges, opportunities, and progressive research trends

“…Much research showed that the temperature range for SARS-CoV-2 disinfection is the same as that suggested for TCR reactions for water purification. Researchers pursuing thermal inactivation to combat SARS-CoV-2 are in the early stages of this research ( Harussani et al 2021 ). Under various environmental conditions, the TCI of a surrogate for human norovirus, a virus, takes 40 days to remain on diaper or feces for viral survival.…”

Effect of incorporation of sugar palm (Arenga Pinnata[Wurmb] Merr.) fiber from various geographical regions towards the tensile and flexural properties ofSPF/epoxy composites for engineering applications

“…Natural fibers are environmentally beneficial, costeffective, recyclable, densely low and nonabrasive as well as important to reduce the dependent towards plastics. [20,21] In addition, green and renewable products have great potential to dominate the structural, automotive and furniture sectors as it promotes zero carbon footprint and eco-friendly. [3,22,23] Due to its superior mechanical and thermal qualities, as well as its contribution to environmental sustainability, sugar palm fiber (SPF) derived from the sugar palm tree (Arenga pinnata) has been widely regarded as a crucial source of fiber for reinforced composites.…”

“…Natural fibers are environmentally beneficial, cost‐effective, recyclable, densely low and nonabrasive as well as important to reduce the dependent towards plastics. [ 20,21 ] In addition, green and renewable products have great potential to dominate the structural, automotive and furniture sectors as it promotes zero carbon footprint and eco‐friendly. [ 3,22,23 ]…”