Articles de revista
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/7256
2024-03-19T10:26:17ZDyestuffs and formaldehyde content in split leather treated with formaldehyde resins
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/118514
Dyestuffs and formaldehyde content in split leather treated with formaldehyde resins
Marsal Monge, Agustín; Cuadros Domènech, Rosa Maria; Cuadros Domènech, Sara; Font Vallès, Joaquim; Manich, Albert
Formaldehyde resins are present in textile, leather and wood industries. Due to the harmful character of formaldehyde, different alternatives have been found to exclude or reduce its content on processed goods. However, the effect of dyestuffs on the formaldehyde content of goods containing formaldehyde-synthesized resins has not been studied up to date. The aim of this work is to check if the presence of free amino groups in the structure of dyestuffs exerts an influence on the formaldehyde content on leathers treated with formaldehyde-synthesized resins. Six dyes, belonging to three different families (acid dyes, direct dyes and basic dyes), have been taken as examples to evaluate how their structures affect the reaction with formaldehyde present in leather. The variation of the formaldehyde content in dyed leathers with respect to control samples (treated with resin only) and its evolution with time have been also considered. It has been found that the ability of dyes in reducing the formaldehyde content in leather depends on the amount of amino groups amenable to reaction with formaldehyde. Those amino groups that in their vicinity have other functionalities, with which to form relatively stable structures, have a reduced reactivity with formaldehyde. The reduction ability of dyes also depends on the formaldehyde content in leather. The lower the formaldehyde content is in the leather, the higher this reduction ability. Acid Black 234 dye caused a formaldehyde content reduction of approximately 84% in leathers treated with melamine-formaldehyde resin of low formaldehyde content in the analysis carried out after 90 days of leather processing whereas the reduction was approximately 20% when the resin was of high formaldehyde content. The highest reduction ability of basic dyes corresponded to the dye that has the greatest amount of amino residues amenable to reaction with formaldehyde (Basic Orange 2). Basic Orange 2 dye exhibited higher reduction ability (90% of reduction in leathers treated with resin of high formaldehyde content after 90 days of leather processing) than the Acid Black 234 dye (approximately 20%), both containing similar amount of free amino residues. Thin layer chromatography analysis revealed that the Basic Orange 2 dye is mainly a single major component, while the Acid Black dye 234 is a mixture of components that can have a reduced reactivity with formaldehyde. Further experiments are required to investigate if the surface leather dyeing (Basic Orange 2 dye) have a higher influence on formaldehyde content reduction than the through-dyeing (Acid Black 234 dye).
2018-06-26T10:02:02ZMarsal Monge, AgustínCuadros Domènech, Rosa MariaCuadros Domènech, SaraFont Vallès, JoaquimManich, AlbertFormaldehyde resins are present in textile, leather and wood industries. Due to the harmful character of formaldehyde, different alternatives have been found to exclude or reduce its content on processed goods. However, the effect of dyestuffs on the formaldehyde content of goods containing formaldehyde-synthesized resins has not been studied up to date. The aim of this work is to check if the presence of free amino groups in the structure of dyestuffs exerts an influence on the formaldehyde content on leathers treated with formaldehyde-synthesized resins. Six dyes, belonging to three different families (acid dyes, direct dyes and basic dyes), have been taken as examples to evaluate how their structures affect the reaction with formaldehyde present in leather. The variation of the formaldehyde content in dyed leathers with respect to control samples (treated with resin only) and its evolution with time have been also considered. It has been found that the ability of dyes in reducing the formaldehyde content in leather depends on the amount of amino groups amenable to reaction with formaldehyde. Those amino groups that in their vicinity have other functionalities, with which to form relatively stable structures, have a reduced reactivity with formaldehyde. The reduction ability of dyes also depends on the formaldehyde content in leather. The lower the formaldehyde content is in the leather, the higher this reduction ability. Acid Black 234 dye caused a formaldehyde content reduction of approximately 84% in leathers treated with melamine-formaldehyde resin of low formaldehyde content in the analysis carried out after 90 days of leather processing whereas the reduction was approximately 20% when the resin was of high formaldehyde content. The highest reduction ability of basic dyes corresponded to the dye that has the greatest amount of amino residues amenable to reaction with formaldehyde (Basic Orange 2). Basic Orange 2 dye exhibited higher reduction ability (90% of reduction in leathers treated with resin of high formaldehyde content after 90 days of leather processing) than the Acid Black 234 dye (approximately 20%), both containing similar amount of free amino residues. Thin layer chromatography analysis revealed that the Basic Orange 2 dye is mainly a single major component, while the Acid Black dye 234 is a mixture of components that can have a reduced reactivity with formaldehyde. Further experiments are required to investigate if the surface leather dyeing (Basic Orange 2 dye) have a higher influence on formaldehyde content reduction than the through-dyeing (Acid Black 234 dye).Tackling the Relevance of Packaging in Life Cycle Assessment of Virgin Olive Oil and the Environmental Consequences of Regulation
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/118184
Tackling the Relevance of Packaging in Life Cycle Assessment of Virgin Olive Oil and the Environmental Consequences of Regulation
Navarro Diarte, Alejandra; Puig Vidal, Rita; Bala Gala, Alba; Fullana Palmer, Pere
Production and consumption of olive oil is very important in Europe, being this product a basic element in the Mediterranean diet since long ago. The project objective is two-fold: a study of the contribution of virgin olive oils (VOOs) usual packaging to the whole life cycle of the product and a study of the environmental consequences of the Spanish Government regulation on VOO packaging. A life cycle assessment (LCA) according to ISO 14044 has been performed using the CML methodology for the impact assessment. The results show that the packaging influence varies from 2 to 300%, depending on the impact category and type of packaging (glass, tin or polyethylene terephtalate). Glass, which is related to higher quality perception by consumers, was found to be the most influencing material (due to its weight); however, this impact may be fairly reduced by applying ecodesign strategies (such as weight reduction and recycled-glass percentage increase). A new Spanish regulation on the mandatory use of non-refillable oilers in HORECA establishments (hotels, restaurants and caterings) aims to provide more quality assurance and better information to consumers; however, it was also found to mean a 74% increase in greenhouse gases emissions. This regulation was deeply discussed at European level and its application was withdraw due to consumers rejection, except for Spain. The findings of the present case study show that LCA and ecodesign should be important tools to be promoted and applied in policy making to reduce non-desirable consequences of regulation.
2018-06-19T17:27:29ZNavarro Diarte, AlejandraPuig Vidal, RitaBala Gala, AlbaFullana Palmer, PereProduction and consumption of olive oil is very important in Europe, being this product a basic element in the Mediterranean diet since long ago. The project objective is two-fold: a study of the contribution of virgin olive oils (VOOs) usual packaging to the whole life cycle of the product and a study of the environmental consequences of the Spanish Government regulation on VOO packaging. A life cycle assessment (LCA) according to ISO 14044 has been performed using the CML methodology for the impact assessment. The results show that the packaging influence varies from 2 to 300%, depending on the impact category and type of packaging (glass, tin or polyethylene terephtalate). Glass, which is related to higher quality perception by consumers, was found to be the most influencing material (due to its weight); however, this impact may be fairly reduced by applying ecodesign strategies (such as weight reduction and recycled-glass percentage increase). A new Spanish regulation on the mandatory use of non-refillable oilers in HORECA establishments (hotels, restaurants and caterings) aims to provide more quality assurance and better information to consumers; however, it was also found to mean a 74% increase in greenhouse gases emissions. This regulation was deeply discussed at European level and its application was withdraw due to consumers rejection, except for Spain. The findings of the present case study show that LCA and ecodesign should be important tools to be promoted and applied in policy making to reduce non-desirable consequences of regulation.Corporate carbon footprint for country Climate Change mitigation: A case study of a tannery in Turkey
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/118182
Corporate carbon footprint for country Climate Change mitigation: A case study of a tannery in Turkey
Kiliç, Eylem; Puig Vidal, Rita; Zengin, Gökhan; Adigüzel Zengin, Arife Candas; Fullana Palmer, Pere
Assessment of carbon emissions and environmental impact of production is indispensable to achieve a sustainable industrial production in Turkey, especially for those companies willing to compete in new international green markets.
In this case study, corporate carbon footprint of a representative Turkish tanning company was analyzed. Inventory and impact data are presented to help in the environmental decision-making process. The results indicate that significant environmental impacts were caused during the landfilling of solid wastes as well as the production of the electricity and fuel required in the tannery. Turkish tannery inventory data presented here for the first time will be useful for leather tanning company managers to calculate sustainability key indicators.
Improving alternatives at country level were identified (increasing the renewable sources on electricity production and promote energy recovery in landfills) which would be useful not only to decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of tanning sector but also of other industries requiring electricity and producing organic wastes. Considering the substantial contribution of industrial processes to the Turkish carbon emissions (15.7%) (TUIK, 2013), work done on those areas would provide a sound improvement in environmental profile of Turkey. The importance to promote a national strategy to reduce GHG emissions in Turkey was discussed here, as well as its relation to corporate carbon footprint assessments.
One of the significant points revealed from the case study is the lack of published country specific emission factors for Turkey, which is a fundamental prerequisite to promote corporate carbon footprint assessment within the country.
2018-06-19T13:22:04ZKiliç, EylemPuig Vidal, RitaZengin, GökhanAdigüzel Zengin, Arife CandasFullana Palmer, PereAssessment of carbon emissions and environmental impact of production is indispensable to achieve a sustainable industrial production in Turkey, especially for those companies willing to compete in new international green markets.
In this case study, corporate carbon footprint of a representative Turkish tanning company was analyzed. Inventory and impact data are presented to help in the environmental decision-making process. The results indicate that significant environmental impacts were caused during the landfilling of solid wastes as well as the production of the electricity and fuel required in the tannery. Turkish tannery inventory data presented here for the first time will be useful for leather tanning company managers to calculate sustainability key indicators.
Improving alternatives at country level were identified (increasing the renewable sources on electricity production and promote energy recovery in landfills) which would be useful not only to decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of tanning sector but also of other industries requiring electricity and producing organic wastes. Considering the substantial contribution of industrial processes to the Turkish carbon emissions (15.7%) (TUIK, 2013), work done on those areas would provide a sound improvement in environmental profile of Turkey. The importance to promote a national strategy to reduce GHG emissions in Turkey was discussed here, as well as its relation to corporate carbon footprint assessments.
One of the significant points revealed from the case study is the lack of published country specific emission factors for Turkey, which is a fundamental prerequisite to promote corporate carbon footprint assessment within the country.Are functional fillers improving environmental behavior of plastics? A review on LCA studies
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/116584
Are functional fillers improving environmental behavior of plastics? A review on LCA studies
Civancik-Uslu, Didem; Ferrer San José, Laura; Puig Vidal, Rita; Fullana Palmer, Pere
The use of functional fillers can be advantageous in terms of cost reduction and improved properties in plastics. There are many types of fillers used in industry, organic and inorganic, with a wide application area. As a response to the growing concerns about environmental
damage that plastics cause, recently fillers have started to be considered as a way to reduce it by decreasing the need for petrochemical resources. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is identified as a proper tool to evaluate potential environmental impacts of products or
systems. Therefore, in this study, the literature regarding LCA of plastics with functional fillers was reviewed in order to see if the use of fillers in plastics could be environmentally helpful. It was interesting to find out that environmental impacts of functional fillers in plastics had not been studied too often, especially in the case of inorganic fillers. Therefore, a gap in the literature was identified for the future works. Results of the study showed that, although there were not many and some differences exist among the LCA studies, the use of fillers in plastics industry may help to reduce environmental emissions. In addition, how LCA methodology was applied to these materials was also investigated.
2018-04-23T14:33:28ZCivancik-Uslu, DidemFerrer San José, LauraPuig Vidal, RitaFullana Palmer, PereThe use of functional fillers can be advantageous in terms of cost reduction and improved properties in plastics. There are many types of fillers used in industry, organic and inorganic, with a wide application area. As a response to the growing concerns about environmental
damage that plastics cause, recently fillers have started to be considered as a way to reduce it by decreasing the need for petrochemical resources. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is identified as a proper tool to evaluate potential environmental impacts of products or
systems. Therefore, in this study, the literature regarding LCA of plastics with functional fillers was reviewed in order to see if the use of fillers in plastics could be environmentally helpful. It was interesting to find out that environmental impacts of functional fillers in plastics had not been studied too often, especially in the case of inorganic fillers. Therefore, a gap in the literature was identified for the future works. Results of the study showed that, although there were not many and some differences exist among the LCA studies, the use of fillers in plastics industry may help to reduce environmental emissions. In addition, how LCA methodology was applied to these materials was also investigated.A Simple Test to Determine the Propensity of a Sample of Leather to the Formation of Chromium(VI)
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/116126
A Simple Test to Determine the Propensity of a Sample of Leather to the Formation of Chromium(VI)
Cuadros Domènech, Rosa Maria; Font Vallès, Joaquim
2018-04-10T13:55:59ZCuadros Domènech, Rosa MariaFont Vallès, JoaquimEnvironmental and cost optimal design of a biomass–Wind–PV electricity generation system
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/116112
Environmental and cost optimal design of a biomass–Wind–PV electricity generation system
González Juncà, Arnau; Riba Ruiz, Jordi-Roger; Esteban Dalmau, Bernat; Rius Carrasco, Antoni
This work describes a methodology to optimize a grid-connected hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) that hybridizes photovoltaic, wind and forest biomass energy sources taking into account cost and environmental impact criteria from a life-cycle perspective. The developed model has been tested in a sample township in central Catalonia. The results show that life-cycle cost and life-cycle environmental impact are contradicting criteria. Low environmental impact layouts highly dependent on RES have higher costs than the ones more reliant on the electricity from the public grid, which present high environmental impact. A sensitivity analysis has been performed to analyze the trade-offs between different energy sources of the system, showing that wind power is the RE source with higher impact on the system since it presents lower cost and lower environmental impact, compared with biomass and photovoltaic power. Another important conclusion that can be drawn from such sensitivity analysis is that improving the rate of return on investment in HRES would be a very beneficial measure to encourage the use of renewable energies for electricity production, as it has significant positive outcomes in terms of both cost and environmental impact reduction.
2018-04-10T11:11:21ZGonzález Juncà, ArnauRiba Ruiz, Jordi-RogerEsteban Dalmau, BernatRius Carrasco, AntoniThis work describes a methodology to optimize a grid-connected hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) that hybridizes photovoltaic, wind and forest biomass energy sources taking into account cost and environmental impact criteria from a life-cycle perspective. The developed model has been tested in a sample township in central Catalonia. The results show that life-cycle cost and life-cycle environmental impact are contradicting criteria. Low environmental impact layouts highly dependent on RES have higher costs than the ones more reliant on the electricity from the public grid, which present high environmental impact. A sensitivity analysis has been performed to analyze the trade-offs between different energy sources of the system, showing that wind power is the RE source with higher impact on the system since it presents lower cost and lower environmental impact, compared with biomass and photovoltaic power. Another important conclusion that can be drawn from such sensitivity analysis is that improving the rate of return on investment in HRES would be a very beneficial measure to encourage the use of renewable energies for electricity production, as it has significant positive outcomes in terms of both cost and environmental impact reduction.Formaldehyde scavengers for cleaner production: A case study focused on the leather industry
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/116098
Formaldehyde scavengers for cleaner production: A case study focused on the leather industry
Marsal Monge, Agustín; Cuadros Domènech, Sara; Ollé Otero, Lluís; Bacardit Dalmases, Anna; Manich, Albert; Font Vallès, Joaquim
Due to its carcinogenic character, the presence of formaldehyde in leather continues to be a subject of great concern. By using formaldehyde scavengers, it is possible to reduce the formaldehyde content in leather. In this work, the potential ability of three different compounds (ethylene urea, pyrogallol and gallic acid) to reduce the formaldehyde content in splits leathers treated with formaldehyde resins (melamine-formaldehyde and dicyandiamide-formaldehyde) is assessed. This capacity is compared with that of a fourth scavenger (hydroxylamine sulphate) already used in tanneries. The evolution of the formaldehyde content with time is also considered, as well as the potential coadjuvant effect of other compounds such as mimosa extract and an acid dye (Acid Black 234). Hydroxylamine sulphate initially showed the highest ability to reduce formaldehyde content. However, after a certain time, this ability proved to be inferior to the ability of other compounds due to the reversibility of the reaction between hydroxylamine and formaldehyde. Pyrogallol showed a higher ability than gallic acid when used in the final wash of leather processing. However, the treatment with pyrogallol results in a darkening of the leather; this darkening limits its use. Gallic acid may be a good alternative to formic acid as the final fixing agent in leather processing when the presence of formaldehyde in leathers is suspected. The use of gallic acid in the final wash or as a fixing agent fulfils the formaldehyde content limit (65–75¿mg/kg) of the major brands in leather goods in direct contact with the skin. The addition of 2% of gallic acid in the final wash of leather processing resulted in formaldehyde content reductions that varied from 65% to 85%. However, further experiments are required to assess the influence of gallic acid on the fastness properties and the coloration acquired by the treated leathers. The joint effect of gallic acid in the final wash or as a fixing agent and mimosa extract as a retanning agent in formaldehyde content reduction is even enhanced by subsequently using a dye with amino groups in its chemical structure. Reducing the formaldehyde content by using scavengers can contribute to the achievement of a cleaner production in those sectors (leather, textile, wood) that use formaldehyde resins.
2018-04-09T17:26:32ZMarsal Monge, AgustínCuadros Domènech, SaraOllé Otero, LluísBacardit Dalmases, AnnaManich, AlbertFont Vallès, JoaquimDue to its carcinogenic character, the presence of formaldehyde in leather continues to be a subject of great concern. By using formaldehyde scavengers, it is possible to reduce the formaldehyde content in leather. In this work, the potential ability of three different compounds (ethylene urea, pyrogallol and gallic acid) to reduce the formaldehyde content in splits leathers treated with formaldehyde resins (melamine-formaldehyde and dicyandiamide-formaldehyde) is assessed. This capacity is compared with that of a fourth scavenger (hydroxylamine sulphate) already used in tanneries. The evolution of the formaldehyde content with time is also considered, as well as the potential coadjuvant effect of other compounds such as mimosa extract and an acid dye (Acid Black 234). Hydroxylamine sulphate initially showed the highest ability to reduce formaldehyde content. However, after a certain time, this ability proved to be inferior to the ability of other compounds due to the reversibility of the reaction between hydroxylamine and formaldehyde. Pyrogallol showed a higher ability than gallic acid when used in the final wash of leather processing. However, the treatment with pyrogallol results in a darkening of the leather; this darkening limits its use. Gallic acid may be a good alternative to formic acid as the final fixing agent in leather processing when the presence of formaldehyde in leathers is suspected. The use of gallic acid in the final wash or as a fixing agent fulfils the formaldehyde content limit (65–75¿mg/kg) of the major brands in leather goods in direct contact with the skin. The addition of 2% of gallic acid in the final wash of leather processing resulted in formaldehyde content reductions that varied from 65% to 85%. However, further experiments are required to assess the influence of gallic acid on the fastness properties and the coloration acquired by the treated leathers. The joint effect of gallic acid in the final wash or as a fixing agent and mimosa extract as a retanning agent in formaldehyde content reduction is even enhanced by subsequently using a dye with amino groups in its chemical structure. Reducing the formaldehyde content by using scavengers can contribute to the achievement of a cleaner production in those sectors (leather, textile, wood) that use formaldehyde resins.Study of the Qualitative and Semi-quantitative Analysis of Grape Seed Extract by HPLC
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/114416
Study of the Qualitative and Semi-quantitative Analysis of Grape Seed Extract by HPLC
Sorolla, Sílvia; Flores, Antònia; Canals Parelló, Trini; Cantero Gómez, María Rosa; Font Vallès, Joaquim; Ollé Otero, Lluís; Bacardit Dalmases, Anna
The main aim of this study is to carry out a qualitative and semiquantitative analysis of tannin extracts as an alternative to the official analysis method ISO 14088 – IUC 32, so that a correlation between the two methods is established.
From the point of view of the chemical composition, tannins are classified into two major groups: i) condensed tannins, also called flavanols or catechins, and ii) hydrolysable tannins, also called pyrogallic tannins.
Today, the most widely used conventional extracts are quebracho, mimosa, chestnut, and tara. Quebracho and mimosa are condensed tannins, whereas chestnut and tara are hydrolysable tannins.
The following extracts were used in this study: tara powder, commercial mimosa and quebracho extracts and extracts derived from grape seed, containing both condensed and hydrolysable extracts.
The development of this new method will allow a faster and less expensive estimate of the amount of tannins present in a tannin extract.
2018-02-23T14:27:33ZSorolla, SílviaFlores, AntòniaCanals Parelló, TriniCantero Gómez, María RosaFont Vallès, JoaquimOllé Otero, LluísBacardit Dalmases, AnnaThe main aim of this study is to carry out a qualitative and semiquantitative analysis of tannin extracts as an alternative to the official analysis method ISO 14088 – IUC 32, so that a correlation between the two methods is established.
From the point of view of the chemical composition, tannins are classified into two major groups: i) condensed tannins, also called flavanols or catechins, and ii) hydrolysable tannins, also called pyrogallic tannins.
Today, the most widely used conventional extracts are quebracho, mimosa, chestnut, and tara. Quebracho and mimosa are condensed tannins, whereas chestnut and tara are hydrolysable tannins.
The following extracts were used in this study: tara powder, commercial mimosa and quebracho extracts and extracts derived from grape seed, containing both condensed and hydrolysable extracts.
The development of this new method will allow a faster and less expensive estimate of the amount of tannins present in a tannin extract.Multivariable methods applied to FTIR: a powerful technique to highlight architectural changes in poly(lactic acid)
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/113515
Multivariable methods applied to FTIR: a powerful technique to highlight architectural changes in poly(lactic acid)
Riba Ruiz, Jordi-Roger; Cailloux, Jonathan; Cantero, R.; Canals Parelló, Trini; Maspoch Rulduà, M. Lluïsa
The structural modifications of a commercially available poly(lactid acid) grade were induced through reactive extrusion using a multi-epoxide reactive agent in a pilot plant. The statistical nature of the chemical reactions led to the generation of several types of non-uniform molecular architectures. Even though conventional spectroscopic (NMR) or chromatographic (SEC-static light scattering) techniques are placed at the forefront of the molecular characterization, both methods usually failed in characterizing non-uniform structures. In this study, a promising approach was applied to automatically classify modified PLA samples. It is based on the analysis of FTIR spectral data by means of multivariable methods, including feature extraction and classification algorithms. The fast and accurate results presented in this paper show the potential of the proposed approach.
2018-02-01T08:43:18ZRiba Ruiz, Jordi-RogerCailloux, JonathanCantero, R.Canals Parelló, TriniMaspoch Rulduà, M. LluïsaThe structural modifications of a commercially available poly(lactid acid) grade were induced through reactive extrusion using a multi-epoxide reactive agent in a pilot plant. The statistical nature of the chemical reactions led to the generation of several types of non-uniform molecular architectures. Even though conventional spectroscopic (NMR) or chromatographic (SEC-static light scattering) techniques are placed at the forefront of the molecular characterization, both methods usually failed in characterizing non-uniform structures. In this study, a promising approach was applied to automatically classify modified PLA samples. It is based on the analysis of FTIR spectral data by means of multivariable methods, including feature extraction and classification algorithms. The fast and accurate results presented in this paper show the potential of the proposed approach.Measuring the Environmental Footprint of Leather Processing Technologies
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/111335
Measuring the Environmental Footprint of Leather Processing Technologies
Laurenti, Rafael; Puig Vidal, Rita; Frostell, Björn
2017-11-29T14:23:41ZLaurenti, RafaelPuig Vidal, RitaFrostell, Björn