Researchers Develop New Method for Recycling High-Density Polyethylene Into Biodegradable Material

A fresh technique for recycling high-density polyethylene has been created by researchers (HDPE). Argonne National Laboratory and Cornell University scientists used a novel catalytic approach to convert post-consumer HDPE plastic together into a fully recyclable and possibly biodegradable material that had the same thermal and mechanical properties as the starting single-use plastic.

Scientists improve plastic recyclability

white green and orange plastic bag photo

(Photo : Towfiqu barbhuiya/ via Unsplash)

Since it is strong, flexible, long-lasting, and inexpensive, HDPE is widely used in single-use applications. However, the methods by which we produce and dispose of HDPE pose serious threats to our own and the planet's health, as per ScienceDaily.

Many HDPE products are manufactured using fossil fuels, and the majority of post-consumer HDPE is either incinerated, disposed of in landfills, or lost to the environment. The material's quality degrades once recycled using current methods.

This new approach might reduce carbon emissions and pollution associated with HDPE by using waste plastic as an untapped feedstock and converting it into new material which can be recycled repetitively without losing quality.

By using waste plastic as an untapped feedstock to create a new material that may be recycled repetitively without losing quality, this novel method might lessen the carbon emissions and pollution linked to HDPE.

Current HDPE recycling techniques result in materials with subpar qualities. The team's alternative method cleaves the polymer chains into shorter pieces with reactive groups at the ends using a series of catalysts.

The smaller pieces will then be reassembled to create new goods with an equivalent value. The new plastic is more easily decomposable in both labs and in nature thanks to the end groups.

HDPE Production Method

One of the strongest and also most useful thermoplastics available today is HDPE (high-density polyethylene), as per Scranton Products.

It is used for a wide range of materials, including bottles, furniture, automobile parts, and various building supplies. HDPE can even be recycled.

Under carefully controlled conditions, petroleum is heated to a high temperature to produce HDPE. This method, also known as cracking, aids in the production of ethylene gas.

The gas molecules will join to form polymers, which further result in the production of polyethylene.

The polyethylene would then appear sluggish after this process, but it will eventually form into granules after passing through a number of molds.

After the molding process is finished, you'll have a sturdy polymer material that can be utilized in a number of different ways in your home or establishment.

HDPE advantages to the environment

There isn't much of competition between these materials and HDPE in this regard. HDPE offers a stronger surface and greater resistance to microbes.

Because HDPE has a stronger screw retention than SCRC or Phenolic Plastic, anything made of HDPE is more structurally sound than products made of those materials.

The best thing about HDPE material is that it rarely needs to be painted over or touched up, which reduces emissions of volatile organic compounds.

At any temperature, these carbon-based chemicals could indeed easily evaporate into the air, posing a risk to one's health if inhaled.

Due to the material's resistance to bacteria, fungus, and mold, products made of HDPE can help improve air quality.

Materials like SCRC and Phenolic Plastic can absorb mold, which leads to odors and poorer air quality.

There is no doubt that HDPE outperforms the competition in terms of sustainability. HDPE is decided to make from post-consumer materials and is completely recyclable. SCRC and Phenolic Plastic cannot be recycled because they are not made from post-consumer materials.