Recycling alginate composites for thermal insulation.
Matteo Cibinel1, Giorgia Pugliese1, Davide Porrelli2
1Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/1, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
Carbohydrate Polymers
|November 4, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a novel method for fully recycling alginate/fiberglass foam composites. The process effectively breaks down and reforms the material, maintaining or enhancing its insulation properties through multiple cycles.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Sustainable Materials
Background:
- Alginate-based composite materials offer unique properties but face recycling challenges.
- Current methods often result in material degradation, limiting reuse.
- Developing sustainable recycling processes is crucial for composite materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for the total functional recycling of alginate/fiberglass foam composites.
- To investigate the feasibility of multiple recycling cycles for these materials.
- To assess the impact of recycling on the material's thermal, mechanical, and acoustic properties.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ionotropic gelation to create alginate/fiberglass foam composites.
- Employed Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA) to disassemble the ionic matrix.
- Re-formed the ionotropic gel under mild acid conditions to achieve functional recycling.
Main Results:
- Achieved total functional recycling of alginate/fiberglass foam composites.
- Maintained or improved thermal, mechanical, and acoustic performances after recycling.
- Successfully demonstrated the viability of multiple recycling cycles.
Conclusions:
- The developed method enables complete functional recycling of alginate/fiberglass composites.
- Recycling does not compromise, and can even enhance, key material performances.
- This approach offers a sustainable solution for managing composite waste.
