1. Preparation and Characterization of Hybrid Composite Polyethylene fibers: Novel Catalyst in Treatment of Medical Waste
- Author
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Vinod, B., Suresh, S., Reddy, S. Sunil Kumar, and Sudhakara, D.
- Abstract
This research examines a new approach to using medical waste as a raw material. There are two types of medical waste: hazardous and non-hazardous. More than 70% of medical waste is considered non-hazardous waste, obtained from crushing used Surgical face mask (SFM) and Surgical Gloves (SG) as reinforcement materials chosen in this study. Biocomposites are eco-friendly and developed from natural and medical waste, with comparable performance to their lightweight synthetic counterparts. The research aims to increase the strength and high-temperature utilization of the Polyethylene (PE) matrix by employing bio-waste as particle reinforcement. Five different fiber composites of 3–12% weight fractions of natural fiber (Glass/pine apple leaf fiber) and a constant 10% medical waste were fabricated using an injection molding process to regulate the polymer structure and determine its thermal conduct. The thermal and mechanical characteristics (such as tensile, flexural, and impact strength) were enhanced by the incorporation of fillers. Tribological characteristics like specific wear rate and coefficient of friction were analyzed. Adding 9% (GF/PLF) with 10% (SFM/SG) particles improve the wear and mechanical properties of the hybrid composite by 52%, respectively. Interfacial bonding between the matrix material and fillers can be enhanced by including waste particles from the medical sector. Most domestic and automobile sectors have replaced metal components with plastics nowadays.
- Published
- 2024
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