This process uses high-efficiency, low-cost catalysts, marking a significant step forward towards a circular economy for plastics.
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The most abundant plastics: polyethylene and polypropylene
Polyethylene and polypropylene represent around two-thirds of post-consumer plastic waste globally. Polyethylene is mainly used for single-use plastic bags, while polypropylene is chosen for more rigid materials such as trays and car bumpers. The majority of these plastics end up in landfills, incinerated, or polluting rivers and oceans.
Until now, recycling these materials has proven difficult and unprofitable due to their very robust polymer chains. However, new recycling techniques are changing the situation.
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An innovative chemical process
The new process developed by the University of California at Berkeley uses two economical catalysts: sodium on alumina and tungsten oxide on silica. These catalysts enable continuous flow reactions, facilitating their reuse and reducing costs.
Sodium on alumina breaks the polymer chains into shorter segments, which are then converted to hydrocarbon gases by tungsten oxide on silica. The result is a reusable gas for making new plastics.
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Limitations and challenges
The method is 90% effective when applied to polyethylene and polypropylene blends. However, the 320°C temperature required for the process increases energy costs. The new catalysts nevertheless make it possible to circumvent certain limitations of previous techniques.
The presence of other plastics such as PET and PVC can reduce the efficiency of the process. Despite this, the researchers remain optimistic about the industrial viability of their method.
| ???? Aspect | Résumé |
|---|---|
| ???? Innovation | Using cost-effective catalysts to recycle plastics. |
| ♻️ Environment | Reduction of plastic waste and promotion of the circular economy. |
| ⚠️ Limits | Reduced efficiency in the presence of other plastics, high energy costs. |
To summarize:
- Polyethylene and polypropylene are the most common plastics.
- The new method uses economic catalysts.
- The process is energy-intensive but promising.
These researchers’ innovation could transform the plastic recycling industry. What other solutions will emerge to further improve our waste management?
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