Latest Publications on Circular Economy
This is our latest selection of worldwide publications on Circular Economy, between many scientific online journals, classified and focused on circular economy, upcycling, sustainable production, material recovery, sharing economy, extended producer responsibility and circular supply chains.
Tip: Further to this selection on Circular Economy, you can search and filter our > publication database < by author, topic, keywords, date or journal.
PLC-Controlled Intelligent Conveyor System with AI-Enhanced Vision for Efficient Waste Sorting
On 2025-02-03 by Natheer Almtireen, Viraj Reddy, Max Sutton, Alexander Nedvidek, Caden Karn, Mutaz Ryalat, Hisham Elmoaqet, Nathir Rawashdeh @MDPI
Keywords: PLC, AI, vision system, waste sorting, automation
AI summary: Efficient waste sorting system with AI-enhanced vision and PLC control. High-accuracy sorting achieved with YOLOv8 model. Real-time classification and seamless sorting operations. Promotes sustainable waste management and circular economy principles.
Abstract: Current waste sorting mechanisms, particularly those relying on manual processes, semi-automated systems, or technologies without Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, are hindered by inefficiencies, inaccuracies, and limited scalability, reducing their effectiveness in meeting growing waste management demands. This study introduces a prototype waste sorting machine that integrates an AI-driven vision system with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) for high-accuracy automated waste sorting[...]
Raw and Calcined Eggshells as P-Reactive Materials in a Circular Economy Approach
On 2025-02-01 by Agnieszka Bus, Kamila Budzanowska, Agnieszka Karczmarczyk, Anna Bary?a @MDPI
Keywords: eggshells, phosphorus, circular economy, sorption, agro-waste
AI summary: Raw and calcined eggshells compared for phosphorus removal in circular economy approach. Agriculture relies heavily on phosphorus. Study evaluates sustainability of using eggshells for P removal. Raw eggshells found to be more eco-friendly option.
Abstract: Phosphorus (P) is a crucial factor influencing both plant growth and the enrichment of the aquatic environment. Agriculture is the primary sector of the economy where the demand for phosphorus is the highest. Due to the depletion of P, more and more attention is being paid to the possibility of recovering and reusing P through the idea of a circular economy (CE). The main objective of this study was to compare raw eggshells (R-ESs) and calcined eggshells (C-ESs) for P removal from wastewater and[...]
Improving the Preprocessing Stage of the Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Supply Chain
On 2025-01-30 by Oluwatosin S. Atitebi, Kalpana Dumre, Erick C. Jones @MDPI
Keywords: preprocessing, lithium-ion battery recycling, critical minerals, circular economy, shredding
AI summary: Improving lithium-ion battery recycling by redistributing preprocessing tasks to small-scale recyclers. Reducing costs and improving efficiency in the recycling supply chain through inexpensive alternatives. Identifying technical requirements and measuring efficacy of alternative techniques. Contributing towards the goal of a circular economy for battery energy storage.
Abstract: The clean energy transition is a paradigm shift from a carbon-intensive energy system to a renewable energy one. The new energy system requires large amounts of critical minerals, including lithium. However, the mining and extraction of these minerals introduces environmental challenges. Recycling critical minerals, a critical step for a circular economy, is a potential solution that could reduce the need for new mining, lowering the overall environmental impact. In this experimentally based wor[...]
Extraction and Assessment of Features Using Shannon Entropy and Rényi Entropy for Chatter Detection in Micro Milling
On 2025-01-30 by Zehui Zheng, Xiubing Jing, Bowen Song, Xiaofei Song, Yun Chen, Huaizhong Li @MDPI
Keywords: detection, features, entropy, milling, assessment
AI summary: Timely detection of chatter crucial for sustainable production. Investigation on feature extraction using Shannon and R&eacute;nyi entropy algorithms for chatter detection in micro milling. Proposed features effectively detect chatters at various severity levels. Probability-related features exhibit better sensitivity than entropy-related features.
Abstract: Chatter is a common phenomenon in micromachining processes that adversely affects machining quality, reduces tool life, and generates excessive noise that contributes to environmental pollution. Therefore, the timely detection of chatter is crucial for sustainable production. This paper presents an investigation on the extraction of two types of features, i.e., probability-related and entropy-related, using Shannon entropy and R&eacute;nyi entropy algorithms, respectively, for chatter de[...]
Evaluation of a Novel Route for Targeting the Polymer Microstructure
On 2025-01-30 by Giulia Bernagozzi, Rossella Arrigo, Alberto Frache @MDPI
Keywords: polymer microstructure, mechanical recycling, thermo-mechanical degradation, high-density polyethylene, upcycling
AI summary: Evaluation of a Novel Route for Targeting Polymer Microstructure, Proposed route involves utilization of additive, Additive alters polymer microstructure for improved properties, Achieving effective upcycling of HDPE with potential for high-added-value applications
Abstract: The mechanical recycling of thermoplastics (especially of polyolefins) often results in recyclates with inferior properties compared to their virgin counterparts. This phenomenon is mainly due to the modification of the polymer microstructure induced by the degradation processes undergone by the materials during their service life and reprocessing. In this work, a promising route for obtaining high-melt-strength recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is proposed. In particular, the exploited [...]
A Circular Economy Approach
On 2025-01-30 by Lucas Moreno-Bermedo, Jonathan Correa-Puerta, Claudio González-Fuentes, Néstor Escalona, Christian Onfray, Abdoulaye Thiam @MDPI
Keywords: Circular Economy, Contaminants of Emerging Concern, Electro-Fenton Process, Tea Waste Material, FeCuNPs
AI summary: Sustainable reuse of tea waste material promotes circular economy principles. FeCuNPs@TWM catalyst effectively degrades contaminants in water. Optimization of parameters results in complete degradation in 15 minutes. Eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative for water treatment.
Abstract: Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in water, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products, represent a significant threat to environmental and human health. In this context, the electro-Fenton (EF) process has emerged as a highly effective technique for the removal of such pollutants. This study investigates the innovative use of tea waste material (TWM) in combination with copper-iron nanoparticles (FeCuNPs) to degrade a mixture of CECs. A central aspect of this research is the sus[...]
