Upcycling waste from the pandemic years is just beginning. 😷
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, so does the use of disposable masks that often find themselves littered not only in public places but also in our oceans. Last year, a study estimated that mask pollution rose by a
as countries imposed mask mandates to rein in the spread of the virus. However, the billions of masks produced during this period have become a massive challenge for waste management. Disposable surgical masks can be made of polyester fabric or polystyrene, polyethylene or polypropylene — thermoplastic polymers that can be set into most shapes while working at high temperatures.
The researchers also repurposed the cotton loops and metal clips from the face masks by shredding them and adding them to ordinary Portland cement, the basic ingredient for any concrete, grout, or mortar products. Their proof of concept study showed that the concrete made using mask materials was 47 percent stronger after a month of curing. The team is now working to determine if the concrete is protected from frost damage and the persistent use of deicers on roadways. In the future, the technique could be applied to use other polymers such as discarded clothing, which would serve as an incentive to the collection of this waste.
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