Research

This project examines the occupational health and safety risks associated with nanoparticle emissions during the mechanical recycling of end-of-life car tires that contain single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The research focuses on determining whether, and in what quantities, nanofibers and other ultra-fine particles are released during end-of-life processes such as mechanical treatment and shredding of car tires. To achieve this, tire tread materials—both with and without SWCNTs—are mechanically processed into various sized output fractions. Particle emissions are monitored using a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS, 10–420 nm) and an Optical Particle Sizer (OPS, 0.3–10 µm). The results will include a description of the comminution process, an assessment of the theoretical recycling potential, and an evaluation of the measured aerosol emissions, along with a workplace assessment focusing on ultra-fine particles.

The EU Circular Economy Package stipulates significantly higher recycling rates than are currently achieved in Austria – this poses a major challenge, particularly in urban areas. Various studies have already identified key parameters that explain significant differences in terms of both quantity and composition as well as collection rates. These include state legal frameworks, the local waste management situation, socioeconomic factors, and the structure of the waste disposal area. The aim of the study is to * analyze the relationships between urban settlement structures and the achievable collection rates for waste materials, * identify explanatory factors for differences between (large) urban and other settlement structures and, if possible, quantify them, and * compile scientifically sound, comprehensible statements on this subject.

One aim of the circular economy is to reduce the landfilling of materials and instead use them as raw materials for new products. This principle can be applied to many, but not all, materials. One sector of the economy that is currently the focus of the circular economy is the construction industry, which should return more materials to the cycle. One material that is currently hardly recycled and occurs in significant quantities is Heraklith panels (wood-cement-MgCO3 composite). Although these could be recycled, there is no collection and return system for them. Another method that cannot be used in Austria but could be used in other countries is composting. In composting, the material can be used as structural material. Structural material is particularly necessary in open windrow composting to support thermal aeration. Such materials are rare in regions with a low tree and shrub population and could be replaced by unproblematic building materials. In the present project, the influence of different quantities of Heraklit sheet material on the composting process is to be investigated in the laboratory and it is to be assessed whether the resulting compost could be used in agriculture.