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.
Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over fitness and form
Cam Rising plays in Utah's spring football game after missing 2023 season with knee injury
Chinese vice premier stresses flood safety, manufacturing innovation
Reims and Rennes drop points in the French league chase for a European place
Socialite Jasmine Hartin enjoys beach snuggle with electrician hunk
Mainland spokesperson rebukes DPP for selling out Taiwan people
China's State Council appoints official
Feature: Rafah drowning in tears as Palestinians bid farewell to loved ones for survival
Kate Hudson hits the stage to debut songs from her new album Glorious at star
Senior CPC official stresses study of Xi's works
Not so Cool Britannia! Noel Gallagher gives damning verdict on Keir Starmer
Xi welcomes guests attending Chengdu Universiade