Experts have discovered an ecological way of producing carbon nanotubes through the conversion of plastic waste. Along with the reduction of cement, plastic waste can be reused as the carbon materials can be used to amplify the strength of concrete. Carbon nanotubes are versatile as they do not weigh much and are durable. They are also great conductors of electricity. Despite its advantages, the usage of carbon nanotubes are rare due to its high cost and production of harmful gases during the process of recycling. Technology company BlueRen, uses another mineral that is more ecological as the catalyst to transform plastic into hydrocarbon gases which results in the formation of carbon nanotubes.
According to Goy(2016), Wong Chun Ling states that with their discovery, BlueRen edges closer to their objective of commercializing carbon nanotubes and alleviating Singapore’s plastic waste issue. BlueRen’s approach allows 1,000 tonnes of carbon nanotubes to be produced from every 10,000 tonnes of plastic waste, which results in a 10 percent yield. BlueRen was awarded the coveted grant by DBS Foundation Social Enterprise. The grant will be used to produce a prototype.
Priscilla Goy (11 January 2016),The Straits Times. “Duo turn plastic waste into a concrete idea”
Retrieved from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/duo-turn-plastic-waste-into-a-concrete-ideaThesis Statement: It is important to think of technologies like the recycling of plastic waste into carbon nanotubes, however, it is also important to take into consideration the environmental hazard it may come with.
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