A new catalyst may enable mixed plastic recycling The future of plastic recycling could soon…
Browsing: Plastic
Plastic is a versatile class of synthetic materials made primarily from polymers, which are long chains of molecules derived from petrochemicals or, increasingly, from bio-based sources. Since its widespread adoption in the 20th century, plastic has revolutionized industries from packaging and construction to healthcare and electronics due to its durability, light weight, and low cost. However, its persistence in the environment has also made it a symbol of modern pollution, prompting intense scientific focus on recycling technologies, biodegradable alternatives, and the ecological impact of microplastics. Research into plastic now spans materials science, environmental studies, and public health, reflecting both its utility and its challenges.
Scientists have unveiled a new biodegradable plastic that vanishes in one of the harshest environments…
USC biomedical engineers have developed a novel, ocean-safe biocompatible material that eliminates the risk of…
Improved bacterial cellulose could help create tougher, greener materials for things we use every day.…
Sunscreen chemicals like EHMC may be silently increasing ocean plastic pollution by strengthening harmful microbial…
A superbug commonly found in hospitals has developed the ability to digest certain medical plastics,…
A global study estimates that exposure to the plastic additive DEHP caused over 356,000 heart…
The same unique structure that makes plastic so versatile also makes it susceptible to breaking…
A new method produces PEDOT nanofibers with enhanced electrical conductivity and increased surface area for…
The floor of the Calypso Deep − a 5,112-meter-deep trench in the Ionian Sea −…
Experts call for reducing toxic chemicals in plastics and stronger regulations to ensure safer, more…
A new adhesive dissolves in alkaline solutions, making plastic recycling cleaner and more effective. This…
Researchers have developed a catalyst-driven method to selectively burn one molecule in a hydrocarbon mixture,…
A new discovery offers a promising way to break down stubborn plastics like Plexiglass into…
Scientists have found methods to convert plastic waste into valuable chemicals. One approach breaks plastics…
Researchers have created a recyclable, bio-based alternative to thermoset plastics using dihydrofuran (DHF). Cornell University…
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to upcycle discarded plastics into new materials with enhanced…
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to produce ethylbenzene, a crucial additive for sustainable aviation…