It is certainly a provocation to say that some types of plastic, such as PET bottles, HDPE bottles and other types of plastic packaging, for thanks to their density, they are destined to float and, therefore, to attract the anger, understandable if you don't know the problem, of those who give life to plastic free movements. It is always a provocation to say that if the specific weight of plastic products were different and, like other packaging materials, went to the bottom, we would probably be deluding ourselves that, not seeing them float, there is no real environmental problem. Not only are these two provocations, but an insult to human intelligence, thinking of doing like the ostrich, putting your head in the sand to hide the problem. But in reality the emotional effect of the plastic islands floating in the seas has given rise to an aversion to the product, without thinking what happens below the buoyancy of the seas and how did all that plastic get there. Metal bins, glass bottles, car bodies, washing machines, mobile phones, cable scraps, wheels, televisions, tires, fishing nets, waste appliances , metal pipes, fittings, chairs, tables, sofas, chandeliers, ceramics, rubble, construction waste and many other products, are regularly discharged into the sea every year. Do we see them? No, unless we dive with a small deep submarine and go to see the disasters that man makes, the stupidity and ignorance of mankind. Of the millions of tons of waste that enter the sea every year, it seems that those visible are only 1%, as they float or they are beached by currents and tides, while 99% is deposited in the seabed. But returning to the plastic free movements, all these products that lie in landfills at the bottom of the sea are not normally mentioned, it is not founded a movement “free glass bottles” or a “free tire” or a “free televisions” , what is not seen does not impact emotionally and has no audience, it does not move the crowds. But if we changed the density of the materials in order to make all the plastic sinkable and all the other waste float, perhaps the seas they would no longer be navigable and we would no longer hurl ourselves against plastic, which we would not see, but with all products made with different materials, such as iron, aluminum, glass, steel, rubber, copper…. But if the seabed is full of waste other than plastic and the surface of the seas and beaches are full of plastic, whose fault is it? What's the point of picking on a single product when the seabed contains much more garbage of a different nature than what is seen on the surface? The problem is the absurd incivility of man who uses rivers, seas and oceans as landfills, thinking of solving a waste problem in his home , and then eat them back through the food chains. Where is the intelligence of the race superior to animals? Automatic translation. We apologize for any inaccuracies. Original article in Italian.
SEE MOREWe are living in such a complicated period, without certainties, risking not understanding more where we are goingKeeping the bar straight of your life today, giving it meaning, is increasingly complicated, as the difficulties that touch or affect our days follow one another at a pressing pace. Continuous challenges to withstand the impact of a world that is changing, too quickly, where it seems that only others can make it, where it is easy to end up in river current that can marginalize, debase and reduce hopes. But have we ever asked ourselves if the difficulty in interpreting the meaning of life today are the result of an exceptional convergence of factors complication or whether, in the past world, they were repeated. We can take for example five very famous philosophers such as Platone, Seneca, Epicurus, Aristotele and Socrates, to understand whether, since the night of the times, these reflections on the meaning of life were current. The meaning of life according to PlatonePlatone, one of the greatest philosophers in Western history, had a profound and complex vision of the meaning of life, which can be understood by examining his numerous works. For Platone, the meaning of life lies in the search for truth, in the realization of virtue and justice and in the understanding of the eternal realities of the World of Ideas. Through philosophy, the individual can come closer to these truths and live a life full of meaning and purpose. We can identify some central ideas that constitute his understanding of the meaning and purpose of human life: The World of IdeasAt the heart of Platone's philosophy is his theory of Forms or Ideas. According to this theory, the real and tangible world we live in is only a shadow or an imperfect copy of the true World of Ideas. These Ideas are eternally true, immutable and perfect. The SoulPlatone believed in the immortality of 'soul. According to him, the soul pre-exists physical birth and continues to exist after death. The goal of the soul, during its earthly existence, is to remember and understand the eternal truths it knew before its incarnation. Education and KnowledgePlatone argued that the true purpose of education is not to transmit new knowledge, but rather to "awaken" the soul to the knowledge it already possesses. The act of "remembering" or becoming aware of the Forms is fundamental to the realization of one's potential. Virtue and JusticeAnother central theme in the works of Platone is the importance of virtue and justice. For him, living a virtuous and righteous life is essential for the well-being of the soul. Justice, in particular, is understood as the harmony of the soul, where each part plays its role. Philosophy as a practice of lifePlatone saw philosophy not only as a field of study, but also as a life practice. The philosopher, through his search for truth and his aspiration for wisdom, tries to get as close as possible to the World of Ideas and, in this way, fully realizes his own potential. The meaning of life according to Socrates Socrates is considered one of the great precursors of Western philosophy, and although he did not leave no writings, his ideas and his thoughts have been handed down through the works of his disciples, in particular Plato. For Socrates, the meaning of life was closely linked to the search for virtue, self-understanding and the constant aspiration for truth. The authentic and meaningful life was one lived in coherence with one's conscience and in constant examination of one's beliefs and actions. For Socrates, reflection on the meaning of life was closely linked to the concept of "knowing oneself" and the examined life. Some of Socrates' central ideas about the meaning and purpose of life include: The Importance of Self-ExaminationSocrates is famous for his statement "An unexamined life is not worth living." This highlights the importance of constantly and critically examining one's beliefs, actions and behaviors. Only through careful reflection and self-examination can a person live an authentic and meaningful life. Virtue as KnowledgeSocrates believed that no one commits evil willfully and that ignorance was the cause of immoral behavior. So, for him, knowing good is doing good. If a person truly knows what is right, he will act accordingly. The Imperativeness of ConscienceSocrates gave great importance to the inner voice or conscience. He believed that following one's conscience and acting on one's integrity was paramount, even at the cost of facing adverse consequences. Death as TransitionEven if Socrates did not provided an elaborate doctrine on the afterlife, he expressed a serene vision of death. In Platone's "Phaedo", Socrates discusses death as a possible transition to deeper understanding and greater intimacy with truth. The Centrality of DialogueSocrates firmly believed in power of dialogue as a means to arrive at the truth. Through the Socratic method, a form of critical questioning, he sought to bring people to a clearer understanding of their own beliefs. The meaning of life according to Epicurus Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher, founded the philosophical school of Epicureanism. His philosophy centers on the idea that the primary goal of human life is the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. However, this view of pleasure is often misunderstood. The meaning of life according to Epicurus is to find happiness through the search for simple and lasting pleasures, the avoidance of pain, the elimination of irrational fears and cultivation of deep friendships. Philosophy, for Epicurus, was primarily a tool for achieving a happy life. Let's see Epicurus' main ideas regarding the meaning of life: Pleasure and PainEpicurus identifies pleasure and pain as the main criteria for determining what is good or bad. But pleasure, according to Epicurus, is not purely physical or sensual. The highest pleasure is tranquility of the soul (ataraxia) and the absence of physical pain (aponia). Intellectual Pleasure vs. Physical PleasureAlthough Epicurus recognized the physical pleasures, he argued that the pleasures of the soul, such as friendship, knowledge and philosophical reflection, were superior to the pleasures of the body. These intellectual pleasures are long-lasting and do not lead to negative consequences. Elimination of Irrational FearsEpicurus believed that many our pains stemmed from irrational fears, such as the fear of the gods or of death. According to him, understanding nature through philosophy can help us free ourselves from these fears. For example, arguing that death is simply the cessation of sensation, Epicurus argued that we should not fear death because it does not represent suffering. Simple LifeEpicurus recommended a simple life, in where natural, necessary desires (such as food, water, and shelter) are satisfied, but unnecessary desires (such as luxuries) are minimized. This helps reduce the pain and distress associated with unfulfilled desires. FriendshipOne of the greatest sources of pleasure, according to Epicurus, it is friendship. Friendship not only provides joy and pleasure, but also security and support, thus helping to achieve a happy and contented life. The meaning of life according to Seneca Seneca, a prominent Roman Stoic philosopher, offered a detailed vision of life and how we should live it to achieve lasting happiness and tranquility. The meaning of life according to Seneca is to live with virtue, make the most of the time we have, accept what is outside of our control, and constantly seek to improve. Through these practices, we can achieve deep serenity and satisfaction in life. Here are some of his main ideas regarding the meaning of life: Living according to NatureLike other Stoics, Seneca emphasized the importance of living "according to Nature". This does not mean living like animals or returning to a primitive state, but rather recognizing and living in harmony with the natural order of the world and our true rational nature. Virtue as the Supreme GoodSeneca, in line with Stoicism, believed that virtue was the supreme good. Living virtuously, that is, with wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance, is not only intrinsically good, but also leads to a happy and meaningful life. Indifference towards External ThingsThe Stoics, including Seneca, believed that we should focus on what is under our direct control (i.e. our actions and judgments) and accept with indifference things outside of our control. This helps avoid unnecessary suffering and maintain calm in the face of adversity. Death as a Natural Part of LifeSeneca has written a lot about death, emphasizing that it is a natural and inevitable part of life. We must accept it and not fear it. In fact, reflecting on our mortality can help us live a more focused life and appreciate the present. Time as a Precious ResourceOne of the most famous works by Seneca is "De Brevitate Vitae" ("On the Brevity of Life"), in which he discusses the importance of using our time wisely. He criticizes those who waste their lives on futile pursuits and emphasizes the importance of living fully and with intent. Training and Self-ImprovementSeneca emphasized the he importance of education and self-improvement. Through study and reflection, we can cultivate virtue, sharpen our judgment, and live a life more in line with our true nature. The meaning of life according to Aristotele Aristotele, one of the most eminent philosophers of ancient Greece, paid much attention to the question of the supreme good and the meaning of life for human beings. For Aristotle, the meaning of life lies in the search for eudaimonia, which can be achieved by living virtuously, using our rational capacity, actively participating in the life of the community and pursuing both practical and theoretical activities. His vision emphasizes the integration of mind, body and soul on a path to well-being and realizing one's potential. Here are his main ideas:Eudaimonia (Happiness or Flowering)Aristotele argued that the ultimate goal of human life is eudaimonia, a term often translated as "happiness", but which could be better described such as "flourishing" or "realizing one's potential." This does not refer to momentary pleasure or ephemeral joy, but to a kind of overall and lasting well-being. Virtue and MeansFor Aristotele, the key to to achieve eudaimonia is to live virtuously. Virtues are stable dispositions that lead us to act appropriately. Aristotle introduced the concept of the "golden mean", arguing that virtue lies in the middle between two extremes, excess and deficiency. RationalityAristotle underlined the importance of the rationale of the soul. According to him, the ability to reason is what distinguishes humans from other animals, and living in accordance with this rational nature is fundamental to realizing one's potential. Theoretical Life vs Practical LifeWhile moral virtue is associated with practical life and ethical action, Aristotele also identified an "intellectual virtue" associated with theoretical life, such as study and contemplation. He suggested that, in its highest form, eudaimonia can be found in the life of philosophical contemplation. Dependence on the Polis (City-State)Aristotele he argued that man is a "political animal", meaning that we are naturally predisposed to live in communities. Eudaimonia, therefore, is not only an individual endeavor, but also depends on active participation in the life of the polis and on having virtuous relationships with others. TrainingAristotele emphasized the importance of training and education to cultivate virtues and achieve a good life. Education not only imparts knowledge but also shapes character. Automatic translation. We apologize for any inaccuracies. Original article in Italian
SEE MOREStarting from 1937 with the invention of glass fiber, new and daring polymeric solutions of considerable technical-commercial interest have been developed The evolution of plastics in the period following the end of the Second World War has led the sector to continuous scientific innovation in competition with itself. The discovery of new polymeric bonds and new commercial applications has revolutionized the industrial field by giving birth to new products, replacing others made of traditional materials and improving the quality ratio price of the artifacts. In addition to discovering new polymers, technical solutions were discovered that led to an enhancement of the performance of the base polymer, managing to create new fields of application until then unknown. In fact, the resistance capacity achieved through polymers and polymer-matrix composites was, until a few years ago, unthinkable. In particular, the HP Fibers sector, designed to provide performances that traditional textile fibers were not able to achieve, especially as regards mechanical capabilities , thermal and chemical, have created a real technological revolution. Materials which, in addition to being able to meet particular requirements, must show a good aptitude to be included in textile cycles, even if modified. Born about 30 years ago on the thrust of some strategic sectors - especially military and aeronautics, they are now exploited in the most diverse fields, from the environmental to the clothing sector protective: • geotextiles for soil containment able to withstand very strong pressures • fabrics for ballistic protection capable of absorbing the energy of the bullets • yarns for protective clothing resistant to the energy generated by lightning • textile reinforcements to be used in composite materials for structural use in the building field. The first fiber with high performance both tensile and thermal was the glass fiber (1937) produced by Owens and Corning Glass, consisting mainly of silica, oxide of calcium, aluminum oxide, boron oxide. Belonging to the family of inorganic fibers, it had an annual growth of 15-25% until the 60s - 70s, when the fibers appeared on the market carbon and aramidic fibers, even if to date glass fiber holds the first place in terms of volumes used as a reinforcing fiber. Carbon fibers, discovered in 1879 by Edison, have only been commercialized since 1960, according to a process developed by William Watt for Royal Aircraft in the UK . But the real revolution in the world of high-performance fibers began with the appearance on the market (1965) of the aramid fibers developed by DuPont, initially as meta-aramids (Nomex), fibers with a very high melting and decomposition temperature (600 ° - 800 ° C) and excellent electrical insulation characteristics. These properties make them particularly suitable for the production of fabrics or felts with which to make protective clothing (most of the Formula 1 driver suits are made of Nomex , precisely because of its fireproof properties, as well as those of oil platform operators) and for the filtration of hot gases. In the form of paper or cardboard, they are used for electrical insulation and, in a honeycomb shape, for the production of composite materials. A few years later (1972) again DuPont introduced pararamidic fibers (Kevlar) on the market, thus opening the new era of yarns with high tension and thermal performance: • excellent mechanical resistance • stiffness • high radiation absorption • impact resistance • to heat • to the flame. With Kevlar fiber-reinforced composites, five times stronger than steel for the same weight, the airbags were created that allowed the probes on Mars and the parachute of the Galileo probe, sent to Jupiter. A cover made with Kevlar-reinforced composites covers the walls of the International Space Station, in orbit around the earth, to protect them from damage caused by micrometeorites. Kevlar fiber - marketed in the form of filament, staple and pulp, replaces asbestos in the lining of clutches and brakes in all cars coming from the lines European production. Alongside aramid fibers, aromatic polyester fibers have appeared on the market, those produced with aromatic heterocyclic polymers, or made with the use of flexible molecules (such as high molecular weight polyethylene), for the production of fibers with high molecular orientation along their axis, using a new spinning process, called gel spinning. In the production of industrial products where resistance must be combined with lightness and flexibility, HP textile fibers are a valid solution, the one that still holds back a their most extensive use is the high cost, mainly a consequence of some technical problems related to their workability. Generally the higher the performance of the material, the higher the difficulties associated with its transformation. This is more evident for fibers with very high mechanical resistance, in fact to give them this performance the production method normally followed is to submit the material, after the supply chain, with very high ironing. With this technique the desired high tenacity is obtained but at the expense of the elongation, consequently the fibers have a low deformability and are rigid, this involves spinning difficulties . Conversely, an exceptional increase in elongation, therefore in elasticity, is obtained at the expense of toughness and moisture absorption capacity, as well as a high resistance to chemical agents makes the absorption of moisture almost zero and creates difficulties in dyeing the fibers.Automatic translation. We apologize for any inaccuracies. Original article in Italian. Info Cecilia Cecchini
SEE MOREREACH, RoHS, TSCA, SDWTA: the Legislation of Chemical ProductsEach object that we buy, use and then throw away at the end of its life is a compound of chemical substances which, linked together, offer the aesthetic, physical and use characteristics that we require. The chemical content of the product is the sum of a long chain of activities, which arrives upstream through the production chain. The manufacture of an object can involve many elements, from a few common chemicals, up to hundreds of synthetic chemicals. Take for example a typical household cleaning product that may contain a dozen different chemicals, or an electronic gadget that could be the result of several hundred substances used in its manufacture. Some chemical compounds end up in the final product while others serve as intermediates in the production chain. Most likely some toxic chemicals could be part of the mixture needed for its production, in fact, chemicals with special attributes are used to obtain some properties of the product such as durability, texture, color or fragrances, etc. It is no coincidence that chemicals with toxic properties can be abundant among these special chemicals, for example, the effort to create "durable" properties (such as water-repellent fabrics) tends to favor chemicals that are more difficult to recognize and to break down for biological and living systems, in fact, they can resist to dissolution and can reach high harmful levels in nature. So it can be assumed that toxic substances may also be part of some products that we could use. Let's see some families of chemicals: Plastic Plastics are a large group of polymer-based materials. Commonly used polymers are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) and polyurethane (PU or PUR). However, the list of polymers is much longer and new recipes and additives are constantly associated. The mixing of different polymers (such as multilayer materials) is also a normal process that serves to improve the functioning of plastics. The choice of the polymer to be used in production depends on the desired function. Almost all polymers are produced from petroleum-derived fossil raw material. Bio-based polymers, such as PLA made from agricultural raw materials, are increasingly used although they still have a very marginal market share. Some limitations of their development depend on a not negligible ecological impact in their production. Most plastics contain numerous additives (functional chemicals) to improve performance. The amount of additives applied can vary from 0 to 95% depending on the polymer and the type of product. Many of the negative properties of plastics often come from additives rather than the polymers themselves. Plasticizers These are normally used to soften plastics. In fact, while some polymers are inherently "soft", other polymers require significant amounts of plasticizers to become flexible. PVC is the typical polymer where an important use of plasticizers is made. Phthalates are a common group of plasticizers that are used in large quantities, often around 30-60% of the total composition of plastic. Several phthalates have dangerous properties, as we have seen in a recent article . Since phthalates are not chemically bound to the plastic material and can escape from the product, it is likely that end users will be exposed to them during its use or even through food chain, as phthalates can be absorbed into the environment. Flame retardants Flame retardants are used to make a product less flammable and, based on the technical characteristics of the product to be made, the commitment of these additives may be required . Examples of such uses can be found, for example, in protective clothing, curtains and fabrics used in furniture, to name but a few. Some flame retardants currently used, particularly halogenated compounds, have been shown to have hazardous properties, and some are subject to international and / or national regulations. Historically, brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have been widely used, proving to be toxic as they bio-accumulate and persist in the environment. The regulation of chemicals in products is a relatively recent achievement, in fact it has not always been this way. For decades, chemicals have been little or no regulated, with some specific exemptions, while the vast majority of chemicals could be used without the need to provide evidence of their safety. If a substance had been identified as a serious toxic pollutant, it was discovered more by coincidence rather than on the basis of systematic examination. No general testing of chemicals for harmful properties was normally required. This has changed slightly in the last few years. The EU has enforced REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals), a comprehensive legal framework covering all chemicals in use, requiring companies that market chemicals to submit a set of test data . The US equivalent, TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act), sets out some basic requirements but has a much more limited scope. What is REACH In 2007 the European Union introduced a comprehensive framework legislation for chemicals called Reach. This requires companies, which manufacture or import chemicals, to register them with a central agency (ECHA, based in Finland). With registration, companies must also report the basic properties of the chemical and, if produced / imported in larger volumes, also information indicating whether substance is dangerous. The aim is to make producers and importers responsible for the products they put on the market and to improve knowledge of the chemicals used. The REACH regulation also contains a system for the "authorized use only" of chemicals that are highly hazardous to health and the environment. What is the TSCA The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is a US regulation that covers the manufacture, processing, distribution, use and disposal of commercial chemicals and industrial. Introduced in 1976, it mainly focuses on new substances introduced after TSCA recognition. What is RoHS RoHS is a European Union directive introduced in 2006 to limit the use of certain hazardous chemicals in the manufacture of electronic and electrical equipment. Currently prohibits or restricts ten substances / groups of substances; 4 heavy metals, 4 phthalates and 2 groups of brominated flame retardants. What is California “Proposition 65”. In 1986, the State of California introduced the "Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act", but more often referred to as "Proposition 65". Requires the state to publish a list of known chemicals that can cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. The list is updated frequently and currently includes around 800 chemicals. The law requires companies to notify Californians of significant quantities of chemicals in products they buy, in their homes or workplaces, or that are released in 'environment. Proposition 65 also prohibits Californian companies from knowingly discharging significant quantities of listed chemicals in the presence of drinking water strata.Automatic translation. We apologize for any inaccuracies. Original article in Italian. Sources chemsec
SEE MOREHow to Choose an Odor-Free Recycled Blow Molding HDPE for AutomotiveThe use of recycled HDPE for blow molding is multiplying in companies that, until a few years ago, denied recycled material, brandishing it as a waste, a waste, of poor quality techniques, aesthetics and images. Fortunately, many things have changed inside and outside companies, so that recycled blow molding HDPE has passed within a few years from an outcast to a product of great interest, both practical and in the media. Without a doubt there have also been significant technical improvements on the plants that characterize the recycling production chain, so much so that many of the classic problems encountered in the use of HDPE recycled during the production of blown articles, have been partially resolved. A different approach has also been achieved by both the purchaser of the raw material and the final consumer, who have lost the criticality related to an article made with recycled material. But in the field of recycling there are still streams of HDPE that can present qualitative, aesthetic and odor problems. In relation to the odor contained in the bottles to be recycled, post-consumer raw material used for the production of the blow molding granule, certainly the most persistent is the one that derives from detergents, in fact, despite washing the bottles to be recycled, even carefully, the surfactant odor remains almost indelibly. If in the packaging sector the residual smell of detergent is increasingly tolerated, but in other sectors, such as the automotive one, it is a strong discriminant. With a view to the circular economy, the use of post-consumer recycled HDPE granules has become a real need for the environment, as it is essential to reuse plastic as much as possible at the end of its life, to avoid it ending up in waste. On the market there are neutral or opaque HDPE granules, which do not have inside them odors of detergent, food or other fragrances (or stinks), thus making them suitable for more professional use. For example the air ducts in the automotive sector, can be made with recycled HDPE granules, but they must not attribute to the air that passes inside them , unpleasant or persistent odors. The input of these granules consists of a mono plastic (HDPE only) which does not come into contact with other waste and therefore does not absorb any, during the cycle of storage, transport in bags and final recycling, the classic contaminations that give rise to the pungent and persistent odors of separate waste collection. With these materials, neutral or opaque, you can blow air vents, or other parts in the automotive sector, which do not have odors on the finished product, succeeding to combine quality, circularity and technical requirements. In any case, the incoming granules can be tested through a simple analysis on the footprint of the contained odors, through an ion mobility gas chromatography test, that in just 20 minutes can give us a photograph of the chemical components of the granules, in relation to possible odors during the blowing phases of the article or once placed in the vehicle. These data released by the test are not empirical, like the test done with the nose by a group of people, but they are completely analytical, precise and irrefutable.See more information on the topic Automatic translation. We apologize for any inaccuracies. Original article in Italian.
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