From waste to value: Characterization of recycled cellulose acetate for sustainable waste management

Abstract

Cellulose acetate (CA) is a versatile polymer with various industrial applications, but its recycling process is still far from diffuse adoption. In this study, the purification of CA was confirmed through FTIR analysis, which exhibited characteristic peaks corresponding to cellulose molecules and acetylation. The rheological behavior of regenerated CA demonstrated shear thinning properties, making it suitable for applications requiring viscosity reduction under shear. Oscillation strain and frequency sweep tests revealed the formation of a gel-like network structure in CA solutions due to extensive hydrogen-bonding networks between water and acetone. The evaporation kinetics of acetone from CA films were found to be temperature and thickness-dependent, exhibiting both Fickian and non-Fickian diffusion mechanisms. The diffusion coefficient of acetone in CA films was determined and correlated with film porosity. Mechanical testing indicated comparable strain at rupture and ultimate strength between recycled and commercial CA, while a limited reduction was observed for the elastic modulus. These findings suggest potential applications of recycled CA in packaging and textile sectors, highlighting the importance of further research in optimizing its properties for specific industry requirements.

Keywords

• Polymers
• Sustainability
• Green materials
• Solvent evaporation