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Life Cycle Assessment to Di-2-Ethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP), Applications and Potential Alternatives

Li, Yuan (2013) Life Cycle Assessment to Di-2-Ethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP), Applications and Potential Alternatives. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Phthalate plasticizers are added to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) during manufacturing to increase resilience and softness, ease the processing, and optimize the lower temperature performance. Phthalates are widely applied in toys, construction materials, medical devices, food packaging, flooring and other product categories. After several decades of commercial use, recent investigations have prompted concern that phthalate exposure can cause human health issues. At the same time, a number of new plasticizers have been introduced as potentially greener alternatives to the most widely used phthalates (DEHP). We have employed process life cycle analysis (process LCA) to examine the life cycle impacts of bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) to those arising from the use of 1,2 cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH) and citrate esters. Our work has focused on the “cradle-to-gate” stage of the life cycle, comparing the raw material acquisition and manufacturing phases. Energy consumption is also an important concern for the environmental impacts. A complete LCA study to get a much “greener” plasticizer substitute is expected.

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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Li, Yuanfangfeily@hotmail.com
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Thesis AdvisorBeckman, Ericbeckman@pitt.eduBECKMAN
Committee MemberVeser, Götzgveser@pitt.eduGVESER
Committee MemberEnick, Robertrme@pitt.eduRME
Date: 27 June 2013
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 3 April 2013
Approval Date: 27 June 2013
Submission Date: 7 April 2013
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Number of Pages: 109
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: Swanson School of Engineering > Chemical Engineering
Degree: MS - Master of Science
Thesis Type: Master's Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: MS thesis
Date Deposited: 27 Jun 2013 14:08
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 14:11
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/18234

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