Thermal Degradation of Face Mask Waste through Pyrolysis at Different Temperatures for Value-Added Products

Abstract The widespread use of protective face masks to prevent the transmission of viral diseases has led to a significant increase in plastic waste. This study investigates the conversion of disposable face masks into valuable solid, oil, and gas products through pyrolysis. Two types of disposable...

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Main Authors: Nikola Cajova Kantova, Michal Holubcik, Robert Cibula, Katerina Benova, Jachym Muck, Jan Najser
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-05-01
Series:Scientific Data
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-05269-1
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author Nikola Cajova Kantova
Michal Holubcik
Robert Cibula
Katerina Benova
Jachym Muck
Jan Najser
author_facet Nikola Cajova Kantova
Michal Holubcik
Robert Cibula
Katerina Benova
Jachym Muck
Jan Najser
author_sort Nikola Cajova Kantova
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The widespread use of protective face masks to prevent the transmission of viral diseases has led to a significant increase in plastic waste. This study investigates the conversion of disposable face masks into valuable solid, oil, and gas products through pyrolysis. Two types of disposable masks were used as input materials: FFP2 face masks and ordinary face masks. The pyrolysis reactor was heated to various target temperatures (350, 400, 450, 500, and 550 °C). Particular attention was given to a detailed analysis of the physicochemical properties of the raw materials and the characterization of the pyrolysis products at different temperatures. The measured data provide a basis for analyzing the pyrolysis process of face masks and respirators under varying thermal conditions. Identifying the relationships between input materials, the pyrolysis process, and the properties of the resulting products could enable the production of targeted products with high added value.
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spelling doaj-art-c764530dd6944f4485e0064ef19cec6b2025-08-20T02:00:12ZengNature PortfolioScientific Data2052-44632025-05-011211610.1038/s41597-025-05269-1Thermal Degradation of Face Mask Waste through Pyrolysis at Different Temperatures for Value-Added ProductsNikola Cajova Kantova0Michal Holubcik1Robert Cibula2Katerina Benova3Jachym Muck4Jan Najser5Research Centre, University of ŽilinaDepartment of Power Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of ŽilinaDepartment of Power Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of ŽilinaENET Centre, CEET, VSB-Technical University of OstravaENET Centre, CEET, VSB-Technical University of OstravaENET Centre, CEET, VSB-Technical University of OstravaAbstract The widespread use of protective face masks to prevent the transmission of viral diseases has led to a significant increase in plastic waste. This study investigates the conversion of disposable face masks into valuable solid, oil, and gas products through pyrolysis. Two types of disposable masks were used as input materials: FFP2 face masks and ordinary face masks. The pyrolysis reactor was heated to various target temperatures (350, 400, 450, 500, and 550 °C). Particular attention was given to a detailed analysis of the physicochemical properties of the raw materials and the characterization of the pyrolysis products at different temperatures. The measured data provide a basis for analyzing the pyrolysis process of face masks and respirators under varying thermal conditions. Identifying the relationships between input materials, the pyrolysis process, and the properties of the resulting products could enable the production of targeted products with high added value.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-05269-1
spellingShingle Nikola Cajova Kantova
Michal Holubcik
Robert Cibula
Katerina Benova
Jachym Muck
Jan Najser
Thermal Degradation of Face Mask Waste through Pyrolysis at Different Temperatures for Value-Added Products
Scientific Data
title Thermal Degradation of Face Mask Waste through Pyrolysis at Different Temperatures for Value-Added Products
title_full Thermal Degradation of Face Mask Waste through Pyrolysis at Different Temperatures for Value-Added Products
title_fullStr Thermal Degradation of Face Mask Waste through Pyrolysis at Different Temperatures for Value-Added Products
title_full_unstemmed Thermal Degradation of Face Mask Waste through Pyrolysis at Different Temperatures for Value-Added Products
title_short Thermal Degradation of Face Mask Waste through Pyrolysis at Different Temperatures for Value-Added Products
title_sort thermal degradation of face mask waste through pyrolysis at different temperatures for value added products
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-05269-1
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