University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:
Stefanie Prenner
(2020):
Engineered nanomaterials in plastic products
A material flow analysis using the example of vehicle tires containing carbon black.
Master / Diploma Thesis - Institut für Abfallwirtschaft (ABF-BOKU),
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 137.
UB BOKU
obvsg
FullText
- Abstract:
- Due to the demand for “advanced” plastics, the benefits of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are increasingly recognized by research and industry. Hence, the number of such polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) is continually rising. Since ENMs may also pose hazards to humans and the environment, it is crucial to know about their fate in the environment. This work aims at generating an overview of the current state of knowledge in the field of PNCs and providing insight into the life cycle of one selected PNC by carrying out an MFA. The literature review shows, that Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), nanoclay, TiO2, Ag, SiO2 and CB are the most frequently used ENMs in plastics. The most relevant release mechanisms for ENMs from PNCs are matrix degradation, diffusion, desorption or dissolution. However, only a few experimental studies have been able to analytically proof a release of single nanoscale particles. For this study, a nano-specific MFA on the level of goods as well as the substance level was conducted using the example of vehicle tires containing carbon black (CB). Since data availability is limited, a data uncertainty analysis has been included to characterize input data in a transparent manner. The results indicate that in Austria in 2018, micro- and nanoscale particles were released during several life cycle stages: especially during the use phase, a large quantity of micro- and nanoplastics was emitted (15 550 t), particularly into the air (8 270 t), because of vehicle tire abrasion. Based on literature data it can be stated that the majority of these released particles is in the size range between 10 nm to several 100 µm and mainly consists of rubber associated with ENMs and other additives. A predicted small fraction of 0.2 t will be released as free nanofillers. Overall, more release studies are necessary to improve and validate the emission and material flow models. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for appropriate measures to reduce the ultrafine dust load.
- Beurteilende(r): Huber-Humer Marion
- 1.Mitwirkender: Part Florian
- 2.Mitwirkender: Allesch Astrid