A molecular additive allows different kinds of plastic to be recycled together
Soda bottles, sour cream containers and disposable cutlery—these plastics typically arrive at recycling plants mixed together in the same bin. But because they are made of different molecular building blocks, called monomers, they must be sorted into different streams before they can be melted to make new products.
A disturbingly small portion of our plastic waste is recycled, and production of new plastic—made from fossil fuels—continues to increase. The worsening situation has prompted scientists to seek new solutions to old recycling problems, including the difficulty of recycling mixed plastics. But they have faced a fundamental chemical hurdle: when different plastics are melted together, their various monomers tend to separate from one another like oil and water.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New chemical weathering tech is helping farmers fight carbon dioxideInteresting Engineering is a cutting edge, leading community designed for all lovers of engineering, technology and science.
Read more »
Panera offers new warning after tragic eventA new warning label on one of the restaurant’s popular drinks comes after a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against the company.
Read more »
Airbus offers new career tech program to Alabama elementary schoolsThe “We WILL Build It Better” curriculum, created by educators and industry professionals, immerses students in a STEAM setting.
Read more »
This New 131-Foot Superyacht Offers the Luxuries of a Private IslandEspada is a floating oasis featuring two pools, a sprawling beach club, and a swim platform.
Read more »
SBF trial offers new revelations about last days of FTX exchangeThe Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) trial continues, with the FTX founder himself on the stand.
Read more »
ChargePoint Offers New Software For EV & Mixed FleetsClean Tech News & Views: EVs, Solar Energy, Batteries
Read more »