Evaluation of Strength Properties of Polypropylene-Based Polymers in Simulated Landfill and Oven Conditions
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 137, Issue 4
Abstract
Polymeric films and fibers are used extensively in industrial and personal products. Many of these products are intended to be disposable and, after initial use, are disposed in landfills that are increasingly expensive and limited. Proprietary additives are being promoted to enhance the biodegradation of polypropylene (PP) and related materials. A test was run on samples of diapers containing PP in simulated landfills and in convection ovens over a period of 52 weeks. Samples in the oven treatment lost all strength properties in less than 27 weeks. Back sheet and cuff samples in the landfill lost insignificant () strength under landfill conditions over 52 weeks. Statistics show significant differences () in strength and sample percent elongation during testing for time, temperature, and time-temperature interactions for both the oven and landfill tests. The study led to the conclusion that the polypropylene additive was efficacious for programmable destruction in an oxidative environment but not efficacious in an anaerobic environment.
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Acknowledgments
The writers gratefully acknowledge the efforts of Dr. Nathan Melear in managing the simulated landfills and for Mary Sue Brewer for managing the ovens and for efforts in sample preparation and testing. The work would not have been possible without excellent coordination between these individuals. ABS Industria, Garcia, Mexico, supplied diapers and conducted specialized molecular weight analyses. The writers also acknowledge the assistance of Dr. James Knopp, North Carolina State University, in interpreting the molecular weight data.
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© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 15, 2009
Accepted: Sep 13, 2010
Published online: Sep 15, 2010
Published in print: Apr 1, 2011
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