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Reliable data on U.S. paper and cardboard waste by location and type are critical for developing waste-reduction solutions, but detailed geographic analysis is lacking in the literature. In this study, we employ statistical and geospatial methods to assess paper and cardboard waste in the United States by type at the national, state, county, and local levels. Of the estimated 110 million tons of paper and cardboard waste managed domestically in 2019, approximately 56% was landfilled, 6% was combusted, and 38% was recycled. The estimated market value of paper and cardboard lost to landfilling in 2019 was $4 billion, and the estimated losses of embodied energy and combustion energy were equivalent to 9% and 4% of U.S. primary industrial energy consumption, respectively. Associated landfilling fees amounted to almost $4 billion. This study aims to inform efforts to implement beneficial waste-management strategies by policy makers, researchers, businesses, and communities across the United States and to provide a model for similar studies in other parts of the world.

Introduction: Monitoring the atypical antipsychotic drug clozapine is crucial to ensure patient safety. This article showcases a high-throughput analytical method for measuring clozapine and its primary metabolite norclozapine (N-desmethylclozapine) in serum using paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS). Objectives: This study aimed to assess the viability of a PS-MS method for the rapid measurement of clozapine and norclozapine in human serum samples as an alternative to liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Methods: Serum samples were processed by protein precipitation followed by deposition of the supernatant containing labelled internal standards onto paper spray substrates mounted in cartridges. Analytes were then analyzed using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with a commercial paper spray ionization source. The results obtained from the patient samples were compared to those from a validated LC-MS assay. Results: PS-MS calibrations for clozapine and norclozapine were linear (R2 > 0.99) over five days. Between-run precision was below 8 %, and within-run precision did not exceed 10 %. When compared to a validated LC-MS method, the mean bias for 39 patient samples was −9% for clozapine and −1% for norclozapine, with no outliers. Mass spectrometry ion ratio comparisons indicated no interference for patient samples above the lower limit of quantification. There was less than 7 % change in the measured concentrations of both analytes over five days for samples dried on paper substrates. Notably, virtually no maintenance of the MS source was required during this study. Conclusion: This study illustrates the potential of PS-MS for serum drug monitoring in the clinical laboratory.

To improve the surface properties of low-density wood, poplar wood was functionalized by laminating Al2O3 impregnated paper onto poplar wood (Populus tomentosa Carr.) via unilateral surface compression. Bonding strength between Al2O3 impregnated paper and wood reached up to 3.08 MPa, meeting commercial grade I requirements for impregnated paper laminated wood flooring. A cross-linked structure between Al2O3 impregnated paper and wood was formed without visible cracks or other defects. Density of the functionalized wood surface increased remarkably and the surface hardness was significantly improved, surpassing that of hardwoods for wood flooring. The functionalized wood surface also exhibited high wear resistance, which reached to the specification for commercial grade I impregnated paper laminated wood flooring. Additionally, the water resistance of the functionalized wood surface was significantly improved through lamination with Al2O3 impregnated paper. The functionalized wood demonstrated high applicability for wood flooring.

Degradation of insulation paper is a key contributor to the failure of power transformers. Insulation degradation accelerates at elevated temperatures, which highlights the potential for better thermal management to prolong life. While several studies have analyzed the benefits of high thermal conductivity oil for reducing temperatures inside a transformer, this study is an initial assessment of the benefits of high thermal conductivity paper on transformer life. Blending particulates with cellulosic fibers offers a pathway for high thermal conductivity paper (with good dielectric properties), which can reduce internal temperatures. Presently, life extensions that can be achieved by the use of such thermally conducting papers were estimated, with the thermal conductivity of the paper being the key parameter under study. The analytical-numerical thermal model used in this study was validated against experimental measurements in a distribution transformer, adding confidence to the utility of the model. This model was then used to provide estimates of hot-spot temperature reduction resulting from the use of papers with higher thermal conductivity than baseline. Transformer life was predicted conventionally by tracking the degree of polymerization of paper over time, based on an Arrhenius model. Results indicate that increasing the thermal conductivity of paper from 0.2 W/mK (baseline) to 1 W/mK reduces the hot spot temperature by 10 °C. While degradation significantly depends on the moisture and oxygen content, the model shows that such a temperature reduction can increase life for all conditions, by as much as a factor of three.

Chemical wastes, such as synthetic dyes and coloring agents, pose significant concerns due to their detrimental impact on human health and ecosystems. As an eco-friendly alternative, the study of natural dyes and coloring agents has gained momentum over the last decade, owing to their biodegradability and reduced environmental and health risks. Here, we report a novel approach employing a butterfly pea anthocyanin paper-based sensor to quantify Fe(III) ions in water. Compared to previous green sensing techniques reliant on heavy instrumentations, this approach offers enhanced accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendliness. Notably, this study is the first example of natural dye sensing on a capillary microfluidics system. The capillary-driven microfluidic system ensures user-friendly operation and allows the sensing platform to be directly immersed in water without reagent loss. The device's design involves drying the butterfly pea-derived anthocyanin reagent within a pH-controlled paper substrate embedded in the capillary-driven microfluidic system. Smartphone-based colorimetric signal generation and quantification was achieved within seconds for a working range of 50–800 mg/L, with the device's detection limit of 43 mg/L using ImageJ and 55 mg/L using the smartphone app. This green sensing methodology has the potential to be used for groundwater sources with elevated Fe(III) levels. Additionally, this platform can be used in chemistry educational settings as an effective means to understand fundamental concepts such as acid-base reactions, base strength, ionic equilibrium, and metal complexation in a user-friendly microfluidic system.

This research provides an in-depth assessment of two paper yarn variants, examining their structural, functional, and performance characteristics. These yarns demonstrated favorable properties, including suitable linear density, twist, typical cellulosic functional groups as confirmed by Infrared spectroscopy, minimal hairiness, moisture transfer, and creditable mechanical strength. These yarns have flat layered cross-sections and grooved longitudinal surfaces. In addition, a low hairiness index (1.3–1.33) further acknowledged their smooth surface. Their remarkable evenness (15.86% and 7.08%) supported their effective wicking properties. Despite average breaking strength (0.77 cN/dTex and 1.05 cN/dTex) and moderate elongation, these yarns exhibited exceptional water-washing resistance and retained over 89% breaking strength after 15 washes. This study ranks these paper yarns as highly suitable for durable clothing fabrics, providing promising sustainable alternatives in the textile industry.