Browsing by Author "Gökelma, Mertol"

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Characterization and Recyclability of Pharmaceutical Blisters
(01. Izmir Institute of Technology, 2023) Çapkın, İrem Yaren; Gökelma, Mertol; Akkurt, Sedat; Gökelma, Mertol; Akkurt, Sedat; 03.09. Department of Materials Science and Engineering; 03. Faculty of Engineering; 01. Izmir Institute of Technology
Packaging is one of the largest industries in the world. Pharmaceutical blister packages are the most preferred packaging type in the pharmaceutical industry. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of pharmaceutical packaging has become widespread with the increasing demand for drugs. Pharmaceutical blister packages typically contain thin sheets of plastic and aluminium and generate substantial solid waste. Since these packages have a multi-layered and complex structure, they are difficult to recycle. Before recycling, plastic and aluminium need a separation process. Chemical separation or thermal processes can be used for separation. The aim of this study is to characterize different pharmaceutical blister types with SEM-EDS (Scanning electron microscopy- Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis), DSC (Differential scanning calorimetry), ICP-MS (Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and to review the different reagents used in the pharmaceutical blister layer separation process. In addition to thermal degradation, the parameters and results of the separation processes were evaluated using hydrochloric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, sulfuric acid, ethanol, acetone, and organic solvents. It also evaluates the recyclability of the separated layers (plastic and aluminium). Its recyclability was evaluated by melting the aluminium fraction under salt consisting of a mixture of NaCl-KCl-CaF2. The plastic fraction was obtained in solid and liquid form by thermal degradation and analysed by GC-TCD (Gas Chromatography-Thermal conductivity detector).
Synthesis of Titanium-Based Powders From Machining Waste by Using the Hydrogenation-Dehydrogenation Method
(Izmir Institute of Technology, 2022) Çuhadaroğlu, Zeynep; Genç, Aziz; Gökelma, Mertol; Genç, Aziz; Gökelma, Mertol; 03.09. Department of Materials Science and Engineering; 03. Faculty of Engineering; 01. Izmir Institute of Technology
Sustainability and recycling activities have gained importance in almost every field all over the world. Many studies are conducted to recycle titanium and titanium alloys owing to their outstanding properties like low density, biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and high strength-to-weight ratio. Although they offer superior properties, their usage is limited due to their high production cost and potential to generate waste, and therefore, recycling activities in this area should be expanded using an appropriate method. Cold hearth melting, vacuum arc re-melting, and hydrogenation and dehydrogenation process are widely used for recycling titanium scraps in industry. Among them, the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation (HDH) process has a significant environmental and economic impact. In this thesis, titanium powders were synthesized from additive manufacturing turnings. Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo turnings were used as starting materials on which HDH characteristics were not investigated in the literature. Both hydrogenation and dehydrogenation parameters were studied to reach optimum conditions. Our results revealed that hydrogenation was accomplished at 500 °C for 120 minutes with 5 °C/minute heating rate. The optimum dehydrogenation condition was found at 600 °C for 90 minutes. Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo powder with average 56 μm particle size was synthesized; however, hydrogen and oxygen concentrations in the powder were not at the desired level and non-spherical shaped powders were produced end of the process.