Utilization of waste expanded polystyrene: Blends with silica-filled natural rubber

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) constitutes a considerable part of thermoplastic waste in the environment in terms of volume. In this study, this waste material has been utilized for blending with silica-reinforced natural rubber (NR). The NR/EPS (35/5) blends were prepared by melt mixing in a Brabender Plasticorder. Since NR and EPS are incompatible and immiscible a method has been devised to improve compatibility. For this, EPS and NR were initially grafted with maleic anhydride (MA) using dicumyl peroxide (DCP) to give a graft copolymer. Grafting was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy. This grafted blend was subsequently blended with more of NR during mill compounding. Morphological studies using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed better dispersion of EPS in the compatibilized blend compared to the noncompatibilized blend. By this technique, the tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus, tear strength, compression set and hardness of the blend were found to be either at par with or better than that of virgin silica filled NR compound. It is also noted that the thermal properties of the blends are equivalent with that of virgin NR. The study establishes the potential of this method for utilising waste EPS

Flexural Test on Recycled Polystyrene

In socio-environmental scenario increased the nature resources concern beyond products and subproducts reuse. Recycling is the approach for a material or energy reintroducing in productive system. This method allows the reduction of garbage volume dumped in environment, saving energy and decreasing the requirement of natural resources use. In general, the ending of expanded polystyrene is deposited sanitary landfills or garbage dumps without control that take large volume and spreads easily by aeolian action, with consequently environmental pollution, however, the recycling avoids their misuse and the obtainment from petroleum is reduced. This work recycled expanded polystyrene via merger and/or dissolution by solvents for the production of integrated circuits boards. The obtained material was characterized in flexural mode according to ASTM D 790 and results were compared with phenolite, traditionally used. Specimens fractures were observed by electronic microscopy scanning in order to establish patterns. Expanded Polyestirene recycled as well as phenolite were also thermo analyzed by TGA and DSC. The method using dissolution produced very brittle materials. The method using merger showed no voids formation nor increased the brittleness of the material. The recycled polystyrene presented a strength value significantly lower than that for the phenolite. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of ICM11

Análise de ciclo de vida de duas soluções de ETICS

Dissertação de natureza científica para obtenção do grau de mestre em Engenharia Civil

Subgrade Insulation to Prevent Soil Freezing, HR-87, 1965

The basic purpose of this study was to determine if an expanded polystyrene insulating board could prevent subgrade freezing and thereby reduce frost heave. The insulating board was placed between a nine inch P. C. concrete slab and a frost-susceptible subgrade. In one section at the test site, selected backfill material was placed under the pavement. The P. C. pavement was later covered by asphalt surfacing. Thermocouples were installed for obtaining temperature recordings at various locations in the surfacing, concrete slab, subgrade and shoulders. This report contains graphs and illustrations showing temperature distributions for two years, as well as profile elevations and the results of moisture tests.

Postharvest technologies for mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) conservation

The application of technologies to extend the postharvest life of mangosteen fruit was studied and compared to storage at 25 °C/70-75%R.H (25 °C control treatment). The fruits were packed in expanded polystyrene (EPS) trays (5 fruits/tray). Five treatments were carried out at 13 °C/ 90-95% RH: application of carnauba wax coating, lecithin + CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose) coating, 50 µm LDPE (low density polyethylene) film coating, 13 µm PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), and non-coated sample (13 °C control treatment). Physicochemical analyses were performed twice a week. A statistical design was completely randomized with 8 repetitions for each treatment plus the control treatment. The results were submitted to variance analysis, and the averages compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability. Among the quality parameters analyzed, more significant differences were observed for weight loss, texture, and peel moisture content. The results showed that the maximum storage period for mangosteen at 25 °C is two weeks; while storage at13 °C can guarantee the conservation of this fruit for 25 days. Therefore, the treatment at 13 °C/90-95% RH without the use of coatings and films was more effective and economical.

Post-harvest conservation of camu–camu fruits (Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) Mc Vaugh) using different temperatures and packages

Abstract The camu-camu tree (Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) Mc Vaugh) is fruit-bearing tree belonging to the family Myrtaceae. This work was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the type of storage temperature and package which allow better conservation of the quality attributes of camu-camu. The experimental design utilized was the completely randomized with three replications in a factorial arrangement (3x3x8), constituted of three different storage temperatures (laboratory ambiente or 25 ± 2 °C, 15 °C and 20 °C), three types of packages (no package, PET and PVC) and fourteen days’ storage, the fruits being analyzed every two days. The fruits were evaluated as to fresh mass loss, pH, soluble solids contents, titrable acidity, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, anthocyanins, chlorophylls A and B and maturation index (SS/AT). According to the results obtained, the quality attributes and ascorbic acid content were conserved for longer time in the fruits stored on PVC-film covered expanded polystyrene trays at 15 °C. It follows that the best temperature for the storage of camu-camu is 15 °C and the package that best keeps its quality attributes is the PVC-film covered expanded polystyrene tray.

Melão amarelo (CAC) minimamente processado submetido a diferentes cortes e concentrações de cloreto de cálcio armazenado em atmosfera modificada passiva

The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of yellow melon inodorus Valenciano Amarelo (CAC) fresh cut submitted to two cut types and with application postharvest of calcium chloride. After preparation cubes and slices melon were immersed in solution with different calcium chloride (CaCl2) concentrations for two minutes, afterwards they were conditioned in trays of expanded polystyrene (EPS), covered by plastic film of low density polyethylene (PEBD), stored in cold camera to 5 degrees C +/- 1 and analyzed for 8 days. They were evaluated pH, firmness, tritable acidity (AT), soluble solids (SS) sugar reducer and ratio. The pH values varied from 5.27 to 5.68. The sugars reducers content and the ratio were superior in the slices compared to the cubes. The melon slices maintained larger firmness values compared to the cubes and in general there was reduction in the values of this parameter along the storage period for all treatments. Concentrations of 1.0 and 1.5% of CaCl2, result in larger values of firmness. The storage temperature and modified passive atmosphere they contributed to quality maintenance of MP melon. Concentrations of up to 1.0% of CaCl2 they could be recommended to maintain the melon quality MP melon yellow inodorus (CAC).

Avaliação de parentais e híbridos experimentais de melão rendilhado

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Cultivo de melão rendilhado com dois e três frutos por planta

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar cultivares de melão rendilhado produzidas em plantas sob raleio dos frutos. Foram estudadas as cultivares Maxim, Louis, Fantasy, Shinju 200, e Bônus nº2, com as plantas conduzidas com dois e três frutos. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 5x2, com quatro repetições e com as plantas dispostas no espaçamento de 1,0 m entre linhas e 0,5 m entre plantas. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação, utilizando-se fertirrigação e vasos plásticos de 13 L, preenchidos com fibra da casca de coco Golden Mix® Misto 98. As mudas foram produzidas em bandejas de poliestireno expandido de 128 células e quando estavam com a primeira folha definitiva completamente desenvolvida foram transplantadas aos vasos. Foram avaliados o rendilhamento da casca, os diâmetros longitudinal e transversal do fruto, o índice de formato do fruto, os diâmetros longitudinal e transversal do lóculo, o índice de formato do lóculo, a espessura do mesocarpo, a massa média dos frutos e a produção por planta. Não houve interação entre os fatores estudados. Nas condições deste experimento, a condução de dois frutos por planta resultou em maior rendilhamento da casca, maior diâmetro transversal do fruto, maior diâmetro longitudinal do lóculo e maior massa média dos frutos. Porém, as maiores produções por planta foram observadas quando conduzidas com três frutos. Os híbridos Fantasy e Shinju 200 apresentaram as melhores características de frutos e maiores produções.

Desempenho de quatro genótipos de soja-hortaliça em dois anos agrícolas

Com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho de quatro genótipos de soja-hortaliça, em dois anos agrícolas, foi instalado um ensaio, em área da UNESPFCAV, Campus de Jaboticabal-SP. O delineamento experimental adotado foi de blocos casualizados, com quatro genótipos e cinco repetições, para cada ano agrícola. Cada parcela experimental foi constituída por quatro linhas de plantio, com 3 m de comprimento, dispostas no espaçamento de 0,10 m entre plantas e 0,60 m nas entrelinhas, sendo consideradas para avaliação 20 plantas por parcela, das duas linhas centrais. As sementes foram semeadas em bandejas de poliestireno expandido de 128 células, contendo substrato Plantmax Hortaliças®. O transplante ocorreu dez dias após a semeadura, sendo que o solo já estava devidamente preparado, conforme recomendações para a cultura. A colheita foi realizada quando as vagens estavam em estádio reprodutivo R6. Avaliaram-se os genótipos: JLM003; JLM010; JLM018 e CNPSoI quanto às características: altura de inserção da primeira vagem, número médio de vagens por planta, número médio de sementes por vagem, produção de vagens por planta, massa fresca de 100 sementes e produtividade estimada de grãos imaturos. de acordo com os resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que, dentre os genótipos avaliados, JLM003, JLM010 e CNPSoI foram os mais produtivos, e quando semeados em dezembro apresentam produtividades maiores do que quando semeados em setembro.

Caracterização físico-química, bioquímica e funcional da jabuticaba armazenada sob diferentes temperaturas

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade pós-colheita de jabuticabas submetidas a diferentes temperaturas de armazenamento refrigerado (AR). Após a colheita, os frutos fisiologicamente maduros foram acondicionados em bandejas de poliestireno expandido (EPS), revestidas por filme plástico de polietileno de baixa densidade (PEBD) e armazenados sob refrigeração a 0; 3; 6; 9 e 12 ± 1ºC e U.R. 87 ± 2%, sendo avaliados a cada 5 dias. Os frutos foram avaliados quanto à perda de massa, atividade respiratória, pH, acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis, ácido ascórbico, textura, pectina total e solúvel, atividade da enzima polifenoloxidase (PFO), compostos fenólicos e atividade antioxidante. Para frutos refrigerados a 9 e 12ºC, o pico respiratório atrasou em relação aos demais tratamentos, além de apresentarem as menores taxas respiratórias. O teor de sólidos solúveis aumentou com o tempo de armazenamento para todas as temperaturas, contudo, em 9 e 12ºC, esse aumento foi em menor proporção. A firmeza e o teor de ácido ascórbico também foram superiores nos frutos armazenados a 9 e 12ºC, enquanto os contéudos de pectina solúvel foram menores. Observou-se a diminuição da atividade da enzima PFO ao longo dos 30 dias do AR, independentemente da temperatura utilizada; entretanto, os menores valores foram encontrados nos frutos mantidos a 9 e 12ºC. Os frutos armazenados a 12ºC apresentaram os maiores conteúdos de compostos fenólicos totais e a maior atividade antioxidante ao final do experimento. Nesse sentido, a temperatura de 12ºC foi a mais efetiva na manutenção da qualidade pós-colheita das jabuticabas.

Firmeza de caqui 'Giombo' submetido à aplicação pós-colheita de cloreto de cálcio

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Tratamento térmico na manutenção da coloração de lichias

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Análise do desempenho térmico de sistema constutivo de concreto com EPS como agregado graúdo

In the last decades there was a concentrate effort of researchers in the search for options to the problem of the continuity of city development and environmental preservation. The recycling and reuse of materials in industry have been considerate as the best option to sustainable development. One of the relevant aspects in this case refers to the rational use of electrical energy. At this point, the role of engineering is to conceive new processes and materials, with the objective of reducing energy consumption and maintaining, at the same time the benefits of the technology. In this context, the objective of the present research is to analyze quantitatively the thermal behavior of walls constructed with concrete blocks which composition aggregates the expanded polystyrene (EPS) reused in the shape of flakes and in the shape of a board, resulting in a “light concrete”. Experiments were conducted, systematically, with a wall (considerate as a standard) constructed with blocks of ordinary concrete; two walls constructed with blocks of light concrete, distinct by the proportion of EPS/sand; a wall of ceramic bricks (“eight holes” type) and a wall with ordinary blocks of cement, in a way to obtain a comparative analysis of the thermal behavior of the systems. Others tests conducted with the blocks were: stress analysis and thermal properties analysis (ρ, cp e k). Based on the results, it was possible to establish quantitative relationship between the concentration (density) of EPS in the constructive elements and the decreasing of the heat transfer rate, that also changes the others thermal properties of the material, as was proved. It was observed that the walls of light concrete presents better thermal behavior compared with the other two constructive systems world wide used. Based in the results of the investigation, there was shown the viability of the use of EPS as aggregate (raw material) in the composition of the concrete, with the objective of the fabrication of blocks to non-structural masonry that works as a thermal insulation in buildings. A direct consequence of this result is the possibility of reduction of the consume of the electrical energy used to climatization of buildings. Other aspect of the investigation that must be pointed was the reuse of the EPS as a raw material to civil construction, with a clear benefit to reducing of environmental problems

Estudo térmico de um sistema solar de aquecimento de água residencial para duas configurações de superfície absorvedora

It presents a solar collector to be used in a system for heating water for bathing, whose main characteristics are its low cost and easy manufacturing and assembly. The absorbing surface of the collector is formed by an aluminum plate with eight flaps where they lodge PVC pipes. The catchment area of solar radiation corresponds to 1.3 meters. The collector box was made of wood, is covered by transparent glass and thermal insulation of tire chips and expanded polystyrene (EPS). Absorber tubes were connected in parallel through the use of PVC fittings and fixed to the plate by the use of metal poles and rivets. The entire absorber received paint flat black for better absorption of sunlight. The system worked on a thermosiphon assembly and absorber of the collector has been tested in two configurations: with the tubes facing up, directly exposed to the impact of sunlight and facing down, exchanging heat with the plate by conduction. It was determined the most efficient configuration for the correct purpose. The solar collector was connected to a thermal reservoir, also alternative, low-cost forming the system of solar water heating. We evaluated thermal parameters that proved the viability of the heating system studied