Plastic learned to process into fuel

Polyethylene is the most common plastic in the world. The volume of output exceeds 100 million tons per year. The recycling and disposal of this polymer is associated with serious complications. Molecule of polyethylene consists of long hydrocarbon chains, which are very difficult to break that is suitable for subsequent use of the connection.





 

A group of scientists from China and the United States worked on this task for about four years. In the end they managed to break the chain into short segments. The reaction lasts about a day, after which the plastic is converted into solid waxes and liquid fuel. The method worked well in cases where the polyethylene is present supplements. The main question is whether this method is economically justified, said the head of chair of Moscow state University of environmental engineering, corresponding member of RAS Vladimir Sister.

Question in the process parameters and the process parameter — the price of the product. And we had in Europe was, of course, the development of diesel fuel, bioethanol. We can talk about it and say it's all different designs, different temperature, different pressure. To shred almost everything, it depends on the price of the issue — said the Sister.



The researchers do not deny that the method still needs improvement. For commercial applications they have, in particular, to reduce the required amount of catalysts. Besides, as one of them used a rare and expensive iridium, it must be replaced by a cheaper metal.

Attempts to find useful application of plastic waste are taken for a long time. Some time ago, about the successful transformation of polyethylene into liquid fuels said, in particular, Indian scientists. However, they had to heat the plastic up to 400-500 degrees, which requires a considerable amount of energy. Chinese and American chemists were able to achieve results at 150 degrees. Today, the most simple and affordable method of recycling plastics from old plastic item a new.published

P. S. And remember, only by changing their consumption — together we change the world! ©

Source: greenevolution.ru/2016/07/08/plastmassu-nauchilis-pererabatyvat-v-toplivo/