Articles tagged with Polypropylene
An international team of scientists developed a novel, catalyst-free plastic recycling process that uses only water and oxygen to convert various types of plastic waste into high-value organic acids. The method achieved near-complete conversion with minimal environmental impact.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new way to harness the properties of tungsten carbide as a catalyst for producing valuable chemicals and fuels. The method, which involves carefully manipulating tungsten carbide particles at the nanoscale level, has shown promising results in reducing costs and increasing eff...
A new study highlights five ways microplastics can trigger inflammation and damage in the brain, including immune cell activity and oxidative stress. Microplastics weaken the blood–brain barrier, causing immune cells to attack them and leading to further damage.
A recent study reveals that discarded plastic materials are a significant hazard to young birds, causing entanglements that lead to deaths. The study found that soft plastics and synthetic ropes were the most prevalent materials in bird nests, with baler twine accounting for 63% of entanglements.
Researchers developed nanocomposites that effectively reduce noise and improve signal transmission for brain pacemakers. The materials use a combination of graphene and clay to absorb and disperse energy, reducing the impact of external electrical fields on patients.
A new study found that mealworms can ingest and absorb microplastics when fed a realistic diet, gaining weight in the process. The insects' digestive mechanisms hold potential for breaking down microplastics, offering a novel approach to addressing plastic pollution.
Researchers have developed a liquid moisture adsorbent that can efficiently harvest water from the air at near ambient temperatures. The technology, which uses random copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, has the potential to provide clean drinking water in arid regions and during disasters.
A recent study revealed that nanoplastic particles impair antibiotic effects and promote bacterial resistance. The research team found that plastics like nylon bind strongly to antibiotics, increasing the risk of resistance.
Researchers at WVU have developed microwave technology to recover propylene from polypropylene waste, which can be reused in new plastics or products. The process uses precise control and lower temperatures than traditional methods, offering energy efficiency and reduced emissions.
A new study reveals high levels of airborne plasticizers in Southern California, including phthalates known to cause reproductive harm and cancer. The study uses silicone wristbands to track exposure to these chemicals, finding that daily levels are both high and persistent.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that foaming plastic carriers promote 44 times more biofilm formation, enhancing wastewater treatment. Adding waste biomass further improves performance, especially in nitrate removal during the moving bed biofilm reactor process.
A new chemical process can vaporize plastics, reducing waste and creating hydrocarbon building blocks for new plastics. The catalytic process efficiently degrades a mix of post-consumer plastic waste, bringing closer a circular economy for many throwaway plastics.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a new method for chemical plastics recycling that breaks down long-chain polymer molecules into monomers, creating high-quality plastics. The approach involves adding a powdered catalyst to molten plastic and stirring it with an impeller, resulting in improved mixing and fewer byproducts.
Researchers developed a low-cost, portable tool to accurately measure microplastic particles, which are showing up in food, water, and air. The device uses fluorescent labeling and delivers results in minutes, with costs as low as 1.5 cents per test.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed an artificial 'worm gut' that can efficiently break down plastics using microbes found in worms' guts. The artificial system replicates the natural process of worms breaking down plastics and has potential for biotechnological approaches to process plastic waste.
Scientists have successfully fabricated centimeter-scale transition metal dichalcogenide field-effect transistors with low ohmic contact resistance close to the quantum limit. The devices exhibited an ultrahigh current on/off ratio of ~10^11 at 15 K, outperforming previous values.
Researchers have developed a novel process that converts plastic waste into liquid gasoline-like fuel at low temperatures, eliminating unwanted byproducts. The innovative method uses alkylation catalysts and combines cracking and reaction steps in a single vessel, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
Researchers found that microplastic mass sequestered in seafloor sediments mimics global plastic production from 1965 to 2016. The study revealed a tripling of microplastics deposited on the seafloor since 2000, with accumulation rates mirroring global use of plastics.
A new study published in Marine Pollution Bulletin found significantly higher levels of polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic, and polyamide in the North Atlantic gyre compared to other offshore locations. Inshore areas exhibited a diverse range of polymers, possibly influenced by proximity to various plastic sources.
Researchers develop breakthrough process to transform polyethylene into polypropylene, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by scalable and rapidly implementable method. The process could potentially save 3 million cars' worth of GHG emissions if 20% of global PE waste is recovered.
A new process developed at the University of California, Berkeley, breaks down polyethylene plastics into propylene, a feedstock for high-value plastics. The process uses catalysts to depolymerize polyethylene, producing 80% propylene and upcycling waste into valuable products.
A survey of specialist surgeons reveals that most would opt for polypropylene mesh mid-urethral sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence, but conventional abdominal surgery with mesh or vaginal reconstruction is preferred for pelvic organ prolapse. The study aims to alleviate the negative stigma associated with mesh use.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed an accessible way to make N95 face masks that can kill viruses and bacteria on contact. The antiviral masks use a simple process with widely available tools, reducing plastic waste by allowing for longer wear.
A recent study reveals that fish ingest progesterone through microplastics, releasing the hormone into their digestive tract. Researchers found that microplastics act as vectors for exposing fish to micropollutants like progesterone, which can have significant environmental and health impacts.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a clean and cost-effective way to upcycle used plastic into high-value products such as carbon nanotubes and clean liquid fuel. The two-step process converts organic waste into charcoal, which is then used as a catalyst to upcycle the plastic.
Cornell researchers created a chemically recyclable thermoplastic by synthesizing long polymer chains using a special catalyst. The resulting material, poly(1,3-dioxolane) or PDXL, has high tensile strength and can be easily depolymerized back to its monomer state, making it suitable for large-scale applications like packaging products.
Researchers propose a tri-layer mask design that includes a graphene oxide mixture for enhanced anti-bacterial activity. This coating simplifies the number of layers in the design while maintaining high filtration efficiency, making it suitable for reusable N95 masks.
Researchers have developed a method to recharge N95 masks, restoring their 95% filtration efficiency and enabling smart masks. The technique exploits electrostatics-based materials, allowing for easy charge replenishment using a battery or washing machine, making it suitable for various air filtration applications.
A new study tests the effectiveness of different types of masks in preventing the spread of droplets that contain SARS-CoV-2 virus particles. The findings suggest that professional-grade N95 masks, surgical or polypropylene masks, and handmade cotton masks may block much of the spray produced when wearers speak.
A new study suggests that plastic from used personal protective equipment (PPE) can be transformed into renewable liquid fuels, similar to standard fossil fuels. Pyrolysis is identified as a promising method of recycling PPE waste into biofuels.
Researchers at Shinshu University have created a method to blend different types of thermoplastic materials without compromising their quality. By using a compatibilizer, they successfully melted various plastics together, paving the way for more efficient recycling and reducing plastic waste in the environment.
A new fluorescent technique allows researchers to visualize the aging process of polypropylene and polyethylene polymers in 3D. The method detects faster polymer aging when exposed to higher temperatures, providing insights into the degradation of polymers over time.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing a novel repair device for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) designed specifically for the vagina. The device aims to improve treatment outcomes while minimizing complications, addressing issues that negatively impact women's quality of life.
Polymer researchers found that manipulating polypropylene molecules' regularity affects the end product's mechanical properties. They discovered a relationship between isotacticity, degree of crystallinity, and material toughness.
A new multiblock polymer has been developed that can combine polyethylene and polypropylene, two materials that have different chemical structures and cannot be repurposed together. When added in small measure to a mix of the two materials, the resulting material shows superior mechanical properties.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a patent-pending technology to create a coating that allows soap products to flow freely from plastic bottles. The coating involves microscopic y-shaped structures that cradle droplets of soap aloft above tiny air pockets, preventing the soap from touching the inside of the bottle.
Researchers found that contaminated gloves can spread healthcare-associated pathogens to hospital surfaces, with types of bacteria affecting transmission rates. Proper glove use is crucial to reduce HCAI risk.
A Tel Aviv University researcher has developed a super-strength polypropylene that could replace steel in everyday products, reducing pollution and increasing energy efficiency. The new material is cheaper to produce and more durable than traditional plastics, making it a promising alternative for industries such as car manufacturing.
Using fabric ground covers in organic production allows farmers to control weeds, hold down costs, and maintain soil health. The study found that fabric covers limited water penetration and reduced soil levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.
A group of French physicists have computed the trajectory of Roberto Carlos' famous 1997 free kick goal, revealing it was not an incredible fluke but a carefully calculated move. The 'spinning ball spiral' effect, as they call it, shows how the spin and velocity of the ball can create an unexpected trajectory.
Using mesh to close gastric bypass incisions prevents hernias in obese patients. Researchers found no impact on hospital stay or procedure cost.
Researchers at NIST discovered that adding carbon nanotubes to polypropylene eliminates a common manufacturing headache called 'die-swell'. The addition of nanotubes allows the polymer to be processed at high speed through extruders, enabling the controlled manufacture of smaller components.
Vandenberg discovered isotactic polypropylene, a strong and resistant form of polypropylene used in dishwasher-safe containers and water-resistant outdoor carpets. He has since developed new biomedical polymers with potential applications in implants and medical devices.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a process to make polypropylene, a stiff plastic, that can flex like a rubber band. The elastic polymer has potential applications in various industries, including the production of disposable diapers and automotive dashboards.