Chima Umunnakwe

By Macdenis Egbuhuzor, Chima Umunankwe and Peter Ogbobe

Polyethylene (PE) is a synthetic polymer made from the polymerization of ethylene. It is the most widely used plastic in the world. Its production, processing, usage, applications, and disposal system had made the study of this plastic very significant. The role played by this plastic in the world has made the knowledge of its usage, disposal system, processing, recycling, and applications inevitable. The chapter discussed the general overview of this plastic product, the production, properties, and disposal systems. The processing of recycled polyethylene is vital in its end-use through collecting, sorting, cleaning, separation, and compounding, and this was extensively treated. We also discussed the opportunities, applications, and limitations of polyethylene recycling. At the end of this chapter, one will know the production, processing, recycling, and applications of polyethylene plastic and the dangers posed by this plastic if a proper disposal system is not followed.

Part of the book: Waste Material Recycling in the Circular Economy

By Macdenis Egbuhuzor, Solomon Nwafor, Chima Umunnakwe and Sochima Egoigwe

Thin-film batteries are solid-state batteries comprising the anode, the cathode, the electrolyte and the separator. They are nano-millimeter-sized batteries made of solid electrodes and solid electrolytes. The need for lightweight, higher energy density and long-lasting batteries has made research in this area inevitable. This battery finds application in consumer electronics, wireless sensors, smart cards medical devices, memory backup power, energy storage for solar cells, etc. This chapter discussed different types of thin-film battery technology, fundamentals and deposition processes. Also discussed in this chapter include the mechanism of thin-film batteries, their operation and the advantages of thin-film batteries over other batteries. The vast applications of thin-film batteries drive research in this area. These applications are discussed extensively.

Part of the book: Thin Films