Showing papers on "Commodity plastics published in 2013"
TL;DR: In this paper, the shape and orientation of soft fillers were changed by processing, resulting in an array of aligned and oriented nanosize deformed rubber domains, which effectively controlled the propagation of cracks inside the solid matrix and were responsible for a multifold increase of tensile and impact toughness.
14 citations
01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: A review of alternatives to conventional polymers for the betterment of environment is presented in this paper, where a wide variety of synthetic polymers are produced worldwide to the extent of ~140 million tonnes every year.
Abstract: Plastics are manmade long chain polymeric molecules which are resistant against microbial attack and become part of parcel of today life. It turns out to be imperative component in agriculture as different plastics are used for various purposes namely plasticulture, polyhouses, mulches, packaging container, shrink film wrappers, etc. Plastics have replaced paper and cellulose-based products for packaging because of their strength, lightness, resistance to water and most water borne microorganism. Nowadays a wide variety of synthetic polymers are produced worldwide to the extent of ~140 million tonnes every year. Remarkable of these polymers are introduced in the ecosystem as industrial waste products every year. The dramatic increase in production and lack of biodegradability of commercial polymers, particularly commodity plastics used in packaging, industry and agriculture, focused public attention on a potentially huge environmental accumulation and pollution problem that could persist for centuries. Because of their persistence in our environment, several communities are now more sensitive to the impact of discarded plastic on the environment, including deleterious effects on wildlife and on the aesthetic qualities of cities and forests. In addition, the burning of polyvinylchloride (PVC) plastics produces persistent organic pollutants (POPs) known as furans and dioxins. In order to find alternatives, a new material has been developed known as bioplastic. Bioplastics are long chain of monomers joined with each other by ester bonds. These plastics are thus considered as polyesters. Bioplastics are classified into various types. The most common is PHA (Polyhydroxyalkonoate), which remains as a carbon and/or energy storage material in various microorganisms under the condition of deficient nutritional elements. There are a variety of bioplastic applications in the society and industries. This review paper is intended to provide information about alternatives to conventional plastics for the betterment of environment.
6 citations
27 Feb 2013