Chinese scientists develop new method of plastic recycling
Time:2024-05-21 14:46:12 Source:worldViews(143)
BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese research team has developed a new method of recycling polyethylene plastic waste that could cut costs while producing a range of useful petroleum-based materials, according to a paper published recently in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
Polyethylene plastic, which is one of the five main types of plastic, is highly stable and does not biodegrade easily. However, the research team from the University of Science and Technology of China has discovered a new recycling process that employs existing technology while producing useful by-products.
Considering the similarities between polyethylene and oil, in terms of both chemical structure and composition, the team borrowed technology from the oil industry to devise its new method.
The team devised a "hydrogen breathing" strategy, using catalysts to break down the chemical structure of waste plastic and reorganize it, forming high-value ring-shaped hydrocarbons. These can then be used as raw materials for the synthesis of drugs, dyes, resins and fibers.
Han Buxing, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that the research uses environmental pollutants such as abandoned polyethylene plastics to prepare petroleum-based chemical products, providing a new method for the "artificial carbon cycle" of waste plastics.
Previous:A warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest was requested. But no decision was made about whether to issue it
Next:Jessica Biel CHOPS her long locks into a bob after book signing in Studio City
You may also like
- Rangers are undefeated at .500 to keep World Series champs from a losing record with Bochy
- Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities
- Dubai rain: Emirates again halts local flight check
- Two French schoolgirls aged six and 11 are stabbed by knifeman near their school
- Yu Darvish extends scoreless innings streak to 25 in Padres' 9
- Iran's missile, drone program among targets of upcoming U.S. sanctions: White House
- 'MPs are complaining, m'lud. Lammy has gone supersonic
- Firefighters to tackle scaffolding dangling outside ruins of fire
- A warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest was requested. But no decision was made about whether to issue it