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New Environmentally-Friendly and Sustainable Materials

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 November 2021) | Viewed by 14938

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Guest Editor
Academic Unit of Materials Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande - PB 58430-330, Brazil
Interests: glasses; glass-ceramics, solid wastes; clays, crystallization, sustainable materials, eco-friendly materials, biomaterials

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Guest Editor
Academic Unit of Materials Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58430-330, PB, Brazil
Interests: processing of ceramic materials; nonmetallic materials; extraction and transformation of materials; ceramic materials; environmental; development of new materials; durability and recycling of solid waste
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Academic Unit of Materials Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58430-330, PB, Brazil
Interests: ceramic materials; microwave synthesis and processing; solid waste recycling; nanotechnology; ultrafast sintering; drilling fluids; biomaterials and water treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

One of the great challenges of contemporary society is establishing a sustainable way of life in harmony with the environment without compromising economic growth and technological development. On the other hand, the increase in the world population has driven per capita consumption, and consequently, the generation of waste. Because of this, new materials are being developed from different types of waste.

This Special Issue aims to highlight and share recent scientific findings in the area of “New Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Materials” manufactured from different material types (polymers, ceramics, metallics, and composites) and urban, industrial, mining and agricultural wastes. Moreover, scientific topics such as improving performance and durability, materials characterization, hybrid materials, foams and porous materials, trends and advances, and mechanical, electrical, magnetic, optical, and thermal properties will also be accepted.

We kindly invite you to submit a manuscript(s) for this Special Issue. Full papers, communications, and reviews are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Alisson Mendes Rodrigues
Prof. Dr. Gelmires de Araujo Neves
Prof. Dr. Romualdo Rodrigues Menezes
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • materials (ceramics, polymers, metals, and composites)
  • sustainable materials
  • solid wastes
  • glass and glass-ceramics foams
  • process optimization
  • wastes valorization
  • materials for construction
  • recycling
  • green manufacturing

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 5748 KiB  
Article
Firing Parameters Effect on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Scheelite Tailings-Containing Ceramic Masses
by Marcos Emmanuel Araújo Carreiro, Valmir José da Silva, Alisson Mendes Rodrigues, Ester Pires de Almeida Barbosa, Fabiana Pereira da Costa, Romualdo Rodrigues Menezes, Gelmires Araújo Neves and Lisiane Navarro de Lima Santana
Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 333; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14010333 - 29 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1708
Abstract
The firing parameters in ceramic masses incorporated with 0, 5, and 10 wt% of scheelite tailings were investigated. The ceramic masses were characterized by X-ray fluorescence, granulometric, mineralogical analysis, and Atterberg limits determination. The samples were obtained by uniaxial pressing (20 MPa), sintered [...] Read more.
The firing parameters in ceramic masses incorporated with 0, 5, and 10 wt% of scheelite tailings were investigated. The ceramic masses were characterized by X-ray fluorescence, granulometric, mineralogical analysis, and Atterberg limits determination. The samples were obtained by uniaxial pressing (20 MPa), sintered at different temperatures (800, 900, and 1000 °C), and heating rates (5, 10, 15, and 20 °C∙min−1). Physical and mechanical tests (water absorption, apparent porosity, and flexural strength) and mineralogical tests were accomplished from the sintered samples. Natural aging tests were also carried out to assess carbonation resistance. For this, some samples were kept in an internal environment (inside the laboratory) for 3 months. The results showed a high content of calcium oxide in the scheelite tailings and a reduction in the plasticity index of the ceramic masses with the tailings addition. The best results were observed for the ceramic mass with 5% tailings. The best results were observed regarding the firing parameters for the temperature equal to 1000 °C, increasing the heating rate to 10 °C∙min−1 without compromising the material properties. The samples kept in an internal environment for 3 months showed a loss of physical and mechanical properties. Such behavior probably occurred due to the onset of the carbonation phenomenon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Environmentally-Friendly and Sustainable Materials)
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17 pages, 4232 KiB  
Article
Production of Eco-Sustainable Materials: Compatibilizing Action in Poly (Lactic Acid)/High-Density Biopolyethylene Bioblends
by Eduardo da Silva Barbosa Ferreira, Carlos Bruno Barreto Luna, Danilo Diniz Siqueira, Edson Antonio dos Santos Filho, Edcleide Maria Araújo and Renate Maria Ramos Wellen
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12157; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132112157 - 04 Nov 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2573
Abstract
Motivated by environment preservation, the increased use of eco-friendly materials such as biodegradable polymers and biopolymers has raised the interest of researchers and the polymer industry. In this approach, this work aimed to produce bioblends using poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and high-density biopolyethylene [...] Read more.
Motivated by environment preservation, the increased use of eco-friendly materials such as biodegradable polymers and biopolymers has raised the interest of researchers and the polymer industry. In this approach, this work aimed to produce bioblends using poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and high-density biopolyethylene (BioPE); due to the low compatibility between these polymers, this work evaluated the additional influence of the compatibilizing agents: poly (ethylene octene) and ethylene elastomer grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (POE-g-GMA and EE-g-GMA, respectively), polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA), polyethylene grafted with acrylic acid (PE-g-AA) and the block copolymer styrene (ethylene-butylene)-styrene grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MA) to the thermal, mechanical, thermomechanical, wettability and morphological properties of PLA/BioPE. Upon the compatibilizing agents’ addition, there was an increase in the degree of crystallinity observed by DSC (2.3–7.6% related to PLA), in the thermal stability as verified by TG (6–15 °C for TD10%, 6–11 °C TD50% and 112–121 °C for TD99.9% compared to PLA) and in the mechanical properties such as elongation at break (with more expressive values for the addition of POE-g-GMA and SEBS-g-MA, 9 and 10%, respectively), tensile strength (6–19% increase compared to PLA/BioPE bioblend) and a significant increase in impact strength, with evidence of plastic deformation as observed through SEM, promoted by the PLA/ BioPE phases improvement. Based on the gathered data, the added compatibilizers provided higher performing PLA/BioPE. The POE-g-GMA compatibilizer was considered to provide the best properties in relation to the PLA/BioPE bioblend, as well as the PLA matrix, mainly in relation to impact strength, with an increase of approximately 133 and 100% in relation to PLA and PLA/BioPE bioblend, respectively. Therefore, new ecological materials can be manufactured, aiming at benefits for the environment and society, contributing to sustainable development and stimulating the consumption of eco-products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Environmentally-Friendly and Sustainable Materials)
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15 pages, 7670 KiB  
Article
Development of Eco-Friendly Mortars Produced with Kaolin Processing Waste: Durability Behavior Viewpoint
by Alisson Mendes Rodrigues, Fabiana Pereira da Costa, Suellen Lisboa Dias Beltrão, Jucielle Veras Fernandes, Romualdo Rodrigues Menezes and Gelmires de Araújo Neves
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11395; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132011395 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1436
Abstract
This study presents the development of new eco-friendly mortar compositions containing kaolin residues (KR) and assesses their durability behavior. Firstly, the natural and calcinated kaolin residues (600 °C, 650 °C, 700 °C, 750 °C, and 800 °C) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), [...] Read more.
This study presents the development of new eco-friendly mortar compositions containing kaolin residues (KR) and assesses their durability behavior. Firstly, the natural and calcinated kaolin residues (600 °C, 650 °C, 700 °C, 750 °C, and 800 °C) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), granulometric analysis, and surface area. The kaolin residue calcinated at 800 °C was chosen to be added to new compositions of mortar because it presented the best pozzolanic performance. The aging tests accomplished in internal (Ei) and external (Ee) environments were applied in mortars with a mass proportion of 1:2:6 (cement + KR: lime: sand), in which the KR, calcinated at 800 °C, replaced the cement in the mass fraction of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 30%. The Ei was performed for 30, 60, 90, 180, and 360 days, and the Ee for 90; 210; 360; and 512 days. After the aging tests were completed, the mortar compositions containing KR were evaluated to determine their mineralogical phases (XRD), compressive strength (CS), and thermal behavior (DTA and thermogravimetry). In summary, the KR addition to the mortar compositions decreases the mechanical resistance to compression; however, mortars with a substitution of 10% and 20% presented resistance values within the minimum limit of 2.4 MPa established by ASTM C 270. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Environmentally-Friendly and Sustainable Materials)
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14 pages, 3483 KiB  
Article
Durability of Sustainable Ceramics Produced by Alkaline Activation of Clay Brick Residue
by Fabiana Pereira da Costa, Izabelle Marie Trindade Bezerra, Jucielle Veras Fernandes, Alisson Mendes Rodrigues, Romualdo Rodrigues Menezes and Gelmires de Araújo Neves
Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 10931; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su131910931 - 01 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1827
Abstract
Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) were produced using residues from the red ceramic industry as a precursor, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) as alkaline activators. The effect of activators and curing conditions on physical-mechanical properties [...] Read more.
Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) were produced using residues from the red ceramic industry as a precursor, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) as alkaline activators. The effect of activators and curing conditions on physical-mechanical properties and durability were evaluated. The processing parameters (amount of water and consistency index) and the activation conditions (the activator contents and curing temperature) were defined based on an experimental design getting the flexural rupture module as the response. The durability behavior was evaluated by natural aging, accelerated aging (simulated rain test), exposure to the marine environment (salt fog), and acidic environments (HCl and H2SO4). The results showed that the NaOH- and KOH-activated samples exhibited inferior mechanical behavior than those activated with Na2SiO3. In the durability studies, due to leaching, there was a decrease in mechanical strength when samples are subjected to aggressive exposure conditions. However, the strength values are still higher than the minimum indicated for traditional ceramic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Environmentally-Friendly and Sustainable Materials)
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8 pages, 9969 KiB  
Article
Durability Behavior of Mortars Containing Perlite Tailings: Alkali–Silicate Reaction Viewpoint
by Roberto Evaristo de Oliveira Neto, Juliana de Melo Cartaxo, Alisson Mendes Rodrigues, Gelmires de Araújo Neves, Romualdo Rodrigues Menezes, Fabiana Pereira da Costa and Sâmea Valensca Alves Barros
Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9203; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13169203 - 17 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1985
Abstract
Tailing incorporation into mortars has been the subject of much research in recent years. Despite this, most of these studies did not investigate the harmful effects resulting from the exposure of such mortars to an environment containing aggressive agents. This work investigated the [...] Read more.
Tailing incorporation into mortars has been the subject of much research in recent years. Despite this, most of these studies did not investigate the harmful effects resulting from the exposure of such mortars to an environment containing aggressive agents. This work investigated the effects of perlite tailing addition into mortars containing cement CP V-ARI MAX and hydrated lime. The raw materials were subjected to chemical characterization (X-ray fluorescence (XRF)) and mineralogical (X-ray diffraction (XRD)), while the samples immersed in 1 N NaOH solution were characterized by XRD, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and compression strength (CS). The results showed the harmful effects of incorporating perlite tailings into the mortar investigated. Such a degradation was proven by linear expansion and compressive strength experiments accomplished in the samples after the test of resistance to an alkali–silicate reaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Environmentally-Friendly and Sustainable Materials)
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22 pages, 6855 KiB  
Article
Adsorption Behavior of Acid-Treated Brazilian Palygorskite for Cationic and Anionic Dyes Removal from the Water
by Vanderlane C. Silva, Maria Eduarda B. Araújo, Alisson M. Rodrigues, Juliana M. Cartaxo, Romualdo R. Menezes and Gelmires A. Neves
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3954; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13073954 - 02 Apr 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2385
Abstract
The effect of acid treatment on the adsorptive capacity of a Brazilian palygorskite to remove the crystal violet (CV) and congo red (CR) dyes was investigated. The raw palygorskite was acid-treated by different HCl solutions (2, 4, and 6 mol/L). The modifications on [...] Read more.
The effect of acid treatment on the adsorptive capacity of a Brazilian palygorskite to remove the crystal violet (CV) and congo red (CR) dyes was investigated. The raw palygorskite was acid-treated by different HCl solutions (2, 4, and 6 mol/L). The modifications on the palygorskite structure were investigated using X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption, and thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis. The efficiency of CV and CR adsorption was investigated, and the effect of the initial concentration, contact time, pH, and adsorbent amount was analyzed. The results revealed that CV adsorption in the acid-treated palygorskite was higher than that of the raw material. A Langmuir isotherm model was observed for the adsorption behavior of CV, while a Freundlich isotherm model was verified for the CR adsorption. A pseudo-second-order model was observed for the adsorption kinetics of both dyes. The higher CV adsorption capacity was observed at basic pH, higher than 97%, and the higher CR removal was observed at acidic pH, higher than 50%. The adsorption parameters of enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS), and Gibbs energy (ΔG) were evaluated. The adsorption process of the CV and CR dyes on the raw and acid-treated Brazilian palygorskite was predominantly endothermic and occurred spontaneously. The studied raw palygorskite has a mild-adsorption capacity to remove anionic dyes, while acid-treated samples effectively remove cationic dyes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Environmentally-Friendly and Sustainable Materials)
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