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Full-Text Articles in Other Life Sciences
Effect Of Polymer Contaminants Sourced From Coated Paper On The Performance Of The Resulting Recycled Paper, Ezekiel J. Guevarra
Effect Of Polymer Contaminants Sourced From Coated Paper On The Performance Of The Resulting Recycled Paper, Ezekiel J. Guevarra
All Theses
The growing demand for sustainable packaging has accelerated the use of paper-based materials as alternatives to plastics. To provide barrier and functional properties, these materials are often modified with polymer coatings. While beneficial during use, such coatings can persist as contaminants during recycling, potentially disrupting fiber bonding and reducing the quality of recycled paper. This study examined the impact of extrusion-coated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films and two aqueous dispersions (Vapor/Water-Barrier, Acrylic Film (VWAF) and Oil & Grease Barrier (OGBF)) on contaminant distribution and mechanical performance of recycled handsheets. Kraft paper coated at varying levels was repulped and formed into handsheets, …
Assessing The Viability Of A Proposed Third-Party Reusable Foodware System: An Environmental And Economic Comparison, Margaret Milani
Assessing The Viability Of A Proposed Third-Party Reusable Foodware System: An Environmental And Economic Comparison, Margaret Milani
All Theses
The United States generates 73 million tons of plastic waste annually, with over 6% attributed to the restaurant industry. The EPA recommends that restaurants reduce their plastic waste by transitioning to reusable foodware items. Previous studies have shown that using a single reusable foodware item, such as a cup, can result in lower environmental impacts and greater economic benefits compared to single-use plastic alternatives. However, the upfront costs of purchasing reusables, commercial dishwashers, and other associated expenses remain significant barriers for restaurants, leading many to continue using single-use plastic foodware. This study aims to analyze and compare the environmental impacts …
Biodegradable Active Packaging: Exploring The Antimicrobial Efficacy And Compostability Of Chitosan-Based Films, Rachel Mchugh
Biodegradable Active Packaging: Exploring The Antimicrobial Efficacy And Compostability Of Chitosan-Based Films, Rachel Mchugh
All Theses
The overarching purpose of this experiment is to create an active packaging component that has both antimicrobial and biodegradable properties specifically designed for poultry food products. For the scope of this study, the packaging component created would theoretically be used in conjunction with another material, such as a poultry tray which are commonly used for fresh poultry products. Based on the scope and purpose of this experiment, biopolymer films and coatings were considered after the initial literature review. Due to the goals of the packaging component, chitosan, a polysaccharide shown to have antimicrobial properties and an inherent ability to biodegrade, …
Fully Bio-Based, Flexible, Non-Isocyanate Polyurethane Foams With High Lignin Content For Protective Packaging Applications, Kathryn N. Evancho
Fully Bio-Based, Flexible, Non-Isocyanate Polyurethane Foams With High Lignin Content For Protective Packaging Applications, Kathryn N. Evancho
All Theses
Polyurethane foam is a valuable material with applications across the automotive, packaging, construction, appliance, and furniture industries. However, traditional polyurethane foams are made from petroleum-based precursors including harmful isocyanates. Isocyanates are the leading cause of workplace asthma and are made from toxic phosgene gas, representing a challenge to green chemistry principles such reducing risk and environmental footprint. To address these concerns, non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) foams have been the focus of research for the past decade, but they still face significant challenges in achieving commercial viability. NIPUs replace the traditional polyurethane reaction with a safer, non-isocyanate process most often employing cyclic …