Unveiling a New Strategy for Upcycling Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
As the global population grows, so does our need for sustainable materials. Today, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used materials for packaging. Unfortunately, PET can be difficult to recycle or upcycle due to its complex chemical composition. But a new strategy developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge may help to make PET easier to upcycle.
The strategy involves breaking down PET into its constituent molecules, known as monomers, which can then be used to create new materials with improved properties. The researchers used a combination of mechanical and chemical treatments to successfully break down the PET into its monomers. They then used the monomers to create three new materials: a polyester film that could be used for packaging, an elastic fiber material suitable for making textiles, and a foam-like material that could be used for insulation.
This new strategy offers a promising solution to the problem of PET upcycling. By breaking down PET into its monomers, researchers can create new materials with improved properties, making it easier to create sustainable, upcycled products.
source: Phys.org