Formation and morphology of Zn(2)Ti(3)O(8) powders using hydrothermal process without dispersant agent or mineralizer.

Synthesis of Zn(2)Ti(3)O(8) powders for attenuating UVA using TiCl(4), Zn(NO(3))(2)·6H(2)O and NH(4)OH as precursor materials by hydrothermal process has been investigated. The X-ray diffractometry (XRD) results show the phases of ZnO, anatase TiO(2) and Zn(2)Ti(3)O(8) coexisted when the zinc titanate powders were calcined at 600 °C for 1 h. When calcined at 900 °C for 1 h, the XRD results reveal the existence of ZnO, Zn(2)TiO(4), rutile TiO(2) and ZnTiO(3). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations show extensive large agglomeration in the samples. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electron diffraction (ED) examination results indicate that ZnTiO(3) crystallites formed with a size of about 5 nm on the matrix of plate-like ZnO when calcined at 700 °C for 1 h. The calcination samples have acceptable absorbance at a wavelength of 400 nm, indicating that the zinc titanate precursor powders calcined at 700 °C for 1 h can be used as an UVA-attenuating agent.

Recycling of scrap cathode ray tubes.

It is estimated that approximately 50% of the weight of a computer monitor is composed of cathode ray tube (CRT) glass. Thus, the successful recycling of scrap CRT glass can greatly relieve the disposal problem created by scrap monitors. CRT glass may be considered a hazardous waste due to its high lead concentration. A CRT can be divided into panel (front) glass and funnel (back) glass. Several coatings have been applied to the surface of the CRT panel and funnel glass. These coatings may present an adverse effectto the environment by obstructing the recycling and reuse of the CRT glass. To recycle CRT glass, a series of tests has been conducted to remove the coatings from scrap CRT glass. In this study, the CRT panel and funnel glass obtained from scrap computer monitors was cleaned by wet-scrubbing and ultrasonic cleaning methods. This cleaned CRT glass is intended to be recycled and reused by CRT manufacturers. This study shows that the wet-scrubbing method has a better coating removal performance and no associated pollution problem (i.e., no additional chemical additives). Thus, the wet-scrubbing method is recommended for use as a CRT coating removal method. The results of these tests are presented in this paper.