Transform waste plastic bottles into ultra-light superminerals

Scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have demonstrated a new way to convert plastic bottle waste into aerogels. This discovery has largely contributed to solving the global problem of plastic waste.

PET aerogels developed by the NUS-led research team using plastic bottle waste – a world first – are flexible, flexible, durable, extremely lightweight and easy to handle. They also demonstrate superior thermal insulation and strong absorption capacity.

These properties make them attractive for a wide range of applications, such as thermal and sound insulation in buildings, cleaning up oil spills, as well as as a lightweight coating for firefighters' coats and masks. Absorption of carbon dioxide that can be used during rescue and fire fighting operations. escape.

Associate Professor Hai Minh Duong said, "Plastic bottle waste is one of the most common types of plastic waste and has adverse environmental effects. Our team has developed a simple, cost effective and environmentally friendly method to convert plastic bottle waste into PET aerogels for many interesting uses. A plastic bottle can be recycled to produce an A4 PET airgel sheet. Manufacturing technology is also easily scalable for mass production. In this way, we can help reduce the environmental damage caused by plastic waste. "

Scientists have taken almost two years to fully demonstrate this technology. These PET aerogels are versatile enough for scientists to apply different surface treatments to personalize them for different applications.

Professor Nhan Phan-Thien from the mechanical engineering department of the NUS Faculty of Engineering said, "Our PET aerogels are very versatile. We can give them different surface treatments to personalize them for different applications. For example, when they are incorporated into various methyl groups, PET aerogels can very quickly absorb large amounts of oil. Based on our experience, they are up to seven times more efficient than existing commercial sorbents and are perfect for cleaning up oil spills. "

Professor Nhan explained, "By using PET aerogels coated with flame retardants as a coating material, firefighter coatings can be made much lighter, safer and cheaper. It is also possible to produce inexpensive, heat-resistant jackets for personal use. "

When it is coated with an amine group, the PET airgel can quickly absorb carbon dioxide from the environment. Its absorption capacity is comparable to that of materials used in gas masks, expensive and bulky. To illustrate this application, the team has incorporated a thin layer of PET airgel into a fine particle commercial mask to create a prototype mask capable of effectively absorbing dust particles and carbon dioxide. carbon.

Professor Nhan said: "In highly urbanized countries such as Singapore, carbon dioxide absorption masks and heat-resistant sheaths made with PET aerogels can be placed next to fire extinguishers in high-rise buildings to provide additional protection for civilians escaping a fire. "

Assoc Prof Duong said, "The masks coated with amine-reinforced PET aerogels can also benefit people living in countries like China, where air pollution and carbon emissions are major concerns. Such masks can be easily manufactured and potentially reusable. "

Scientists are now looking to simply change the surface of PET aerogels to absorb toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, the deadliest component of the smoke.

This work was published in the scientific journal Colloids and Surfaces A in August 2018.