Swiss researchers have developed a new method for recycling common types of plastic and transforming them into materials with enhanced properties, the first of which is an adhesive made from used plastic bags and containers, capable of bonding metals, glass, and wood.
Chemical Processing Technology
The website of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich) reported on the fifth of this month that the technology was developed by scientists from the institute, allowing for the processing of polyolefins, including polyethylene and polypropylene, which are among the most widely used and common types of plastic.
The new method relies on modifying the chemical structure of the plastic, rather than recycling it through traditional methods that may lead to a decline in quality due to heating and impurities. It allows for the addition of new polymer chains that give the material different properties and functions.
Production Steps and Results
The processing takes place in a single stage by dissolving plastic waste in chlorinated solvent, then adding monomers, which are small chemical units that form polymers, before exposing the mixture to light. This leads to the formation of chemically active sites that allow new polymer chains to be introduced into the material.
This technology resulted in the production of an adhesive from ordinary plastic bags and containers, characterized by its ability to firmly bond metals, glass, and wood. It can be used in industrial applications requiring joints that withstand heavy loads, including transportation and industrial equipment.
Future Applications
Potential uses are not limited to adhesives; the technology can also be employed in the future to produce packaging materials that limit oxygen permeability, which may help extend the shelf life of food and preserve its quality.
The technology has been patented, and industrial sectors have shown interest in its applications, a step that enables utilizing plastic waste as a resource for producing new materials with higher value.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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