Chinese scientists develop new method of plastic recycling
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.
Related articles
Takeaways from the AP's investigation into how US prisoners are hurt or killed on the job
A sweeping Associated Press investigation into prison labor in the United States found that prisoner2024-05-18Philippines students are told to stay home as Southeast Asia copes with a sweltering heat wave
MANILA (AP) — Southeast Asia was coping with a weekslong heat wave on Monday as record-high temperat2024-05-18China releases report on global meteorological development in 2023
A staff member explains the working principle of a meteorological observation instrument to students2024-05-18Ambitious Ivankovic aims for World Cup finals
Branko Ivankovic. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]Newly appointed head coach for Team China Branko Ivankovi2024-05-18- ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels acquired right-hander Roansy Contreras from the Pittsb2024-05-18
Alonso steps away from unprecedented glory with Leverkusen
Xabi Alonso may recall May 21, 2016, when he experienced the electric atmosphere of Berlin's Oly2024-05-18
atest comment