Development of innovative epoxy biomolecules from the organic fraction of the solid urban waste

The present work is focused on developing innovative active biomolecules from the organic fraction of the solid urban waste (FORSU). The main goal of the experimental activity is the reduction of the bacterial activity of the FORSU, and its conversion in high added-value products, to be used in different fields of civil and industrial engineering.In order to obtain a modification of its chemical structure, thus leading to the generation of active biomolecules, the organic waste, once milled, was exposed to UV radiation. The contemporary exposure to UV radiation and to the ozone generated by the UV was found to cause an alteration of the chemical bonds of the solid waste. Furthermore, the UV and ozone exposure ensured a strong reduction of the bacteria of the organic waste. FTIR measurements were carried out in order to verify the chemical structure of the organic waste, before and after UV exposure. In particular, a strong reduction of the carbon-carbon double and triple bond stretching peaks was found after UV irradiation, together with the appearance of the peak related to the stretching of the epoxy group. The quantitative determination of the epoxy content of the organic waste after UV exposure was calculated by chemical titration, as reported in ASTM D 1652– 97. Once known the epoxy quantitative, two mixtures were produced: in the first one, UV-irradiated waste was mixed with 50 phr of isophorone diamine (IPDA), whereas the second one was obtained by mixing FORSU with 53 phr of IPDA and 10 phr of epoxidized cardanol acetate (ECA). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was then used to evaluate the presence of an exothermic peak due to the reaction of the epoxy groups and the amine, and to identify the reaction temperature. Rheological analysis was carried out to monitor the evolution of viscosity during the curing process. Finally, samples for flexural tests were produced by mixing UV-irradiated waste, ECA and diamine, and by leaving the compound in oven for the time necessary to complete the reaction.