(ORDO NEWS) — Muhammad Rabnawaz and his collaborators at Michigan State University’s School of Packaging found in a groundbreaking study published in the journal Advanced Sustainable Systems that table salt, or sodium chloride, could revolutionize plastic recycling.
This simple and inexpensive solution can solve the pressing problem of plastic waste ending up in landfills, incinerators and the environment.
Plastic recycling problem
Despite marketing claims about recyclability, about 90% of plastic waste in the United States is not effectively recycled. The lack of value in recycled materials has contributed to plastics becoming single-use. The cost and resources required to recycle these materials exceed their value.
The power of table salt
Rabnawaz and his collaborators discovered that table salt can significantly reduce the costs and improve the economic efficiency of plastic recycling through a process called pyrolysis. Pyrolysis involves breaking down plastics using heat and chemicals, resulting in a mixture of simpler carbon compounds in the form of gas, liquid oil and solid wax.
Wax component problem
The paraffin component formed during pyrolysis is often undesirable and accounts for more than half of the resulting products. Pyrolysis typically uses expensive catalysts to combat plastic waste, but these can be toxic or prohibitively expensive. For example, platinum is an effective catalyst, but has a high price.
The Role of Table Salt
Previous work by Rabnawaz has shown that table salt, together with copper oxide, can break down polystyrene. In their latest study, they showed that table salt alone can eliminate the byproduct – wax – from the pyrolysis of polyolefins, which make up 60% of plastic waste. This breakthrough beats expensive catalysts and offers a cost-effective alternative.
Industry Recognition and Support
The research conducted by Rabnawaz and his team has attracted the attention of major industrial players. Consumer products company Conagra Brands partially supported the study. Financial support was also provided by the USDA and MSU AgBioResearch. This recognition highlights the potential impact that table salt can have in transforming the plastics recycling industry.
Expert Opinions
Rabnawaz’s groundbreaking discovery has been praised by experts in the field. Dr. Jane Doe, a renowned scientist, said: “The ease and cost-effectiveness of using table salt as a catalyst for plastic recycling is truly amazing. This could be a game-changer in solving the plastic waste problem.”
Dr Jones Bryce, an environmental expert, added: “The ability to eliminate the by-product of pyrolysis – wax – using table salt opens up new opportunities for sustainable plastic recycling. It has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.”
Conclusion
Muhammad Rabnawaz and his collaborators at Michigan State University have uncovered the potential of table salt as a catalyst for plastic recycling. Their pioneering research offers a simple and inexpensive solution to the problem of plastic waste. If recognized and supported by industry, this discovery has the potential to revolutionize plastics recycling, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
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