Disposable masks can be used to improve concrete

Disposable masks, commonly used during the pandemic, now pose environmental concerns, and researchers have demonstrated the idea of ​​incorporating old masks into cement mixes to create stronger, more durable concrete

In a paper published in the journal Materials Letters, a Washington State University research team showed that a mixture using the masking material was 47% stronger than commonly used cement after curing for a month.

"If handled properly, these discarded masks may actually be a valuable commodity," said Xianming Shi, a professor and interim chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and corresponding author of the paper

Cement production is a carbon-intensive process, accounting for 8% of global carbon emissions

Medical masks are made of skin-contacting polypropylene or polyester fibers and ultra-fine polypropylene fibers for the filter layer, the fibers of which can be used in the concrete industry

"This work demonstrates a technique for diverting used masks from waste streams into high-value applications,

In their proof-of-concept work, the researchers developed a process for making microscopic mask fibers, ranging in length from 5mm to 30mm, and then added them to cement concrete to increase its strength and prevent it from cracking

They mixed the masked microfibers into a graphene oxide solution, and then added the mixture to a cement paste

The researchers are doing more research to test their idea that graphene oxide-treated microfibers could also improve the durability of concrete and protect it from frostbite and de-icing chemicals used on roads.

article title

Upcycling waste mask PP microfibers in portland cement paste: Surface treatment by graphene oxide