Tough vehicle and construction plastics dissolve into reusable material with low-waste method

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin and Sandia National Laboratories have devised a novel recycling technique that can break down tough plastics without generating significant waste. This breakthrough focuses on poly(dicyclopentadiene), or pDCPD, a durable and lightweight material used in various applications, including vehicle bumpers, construction equipment, and chemical storage tanks.

Traditionally, products made with pDCPD were incinerated, which is energy-intensive, creates harmful byproducts, and results in fiber degradation. However, the new method offers a promising solution. By immersing pDCPD objects in a solution containing an environmentally friendly solvent and a catalyst with ruthenium, the plastic deconstructs and dissolves in the solution, forming a reusable powder. The embedded fibers, such as carbon or glass, can also be isolated and reused in new materials.

The process is comparable to dissolving a sugar lump in water and has the potential to reduce energy consumption and waste compared to incineration. However, further research is needed to address the challenge of recovering and reusing the ruthenium catalyst, which could enhance the overall sustainability and affordability of the process. This discovery originated from an unexpected outcome during the development of a new method to produce pDCPD plastics. The team published their findings in the journal Science Advances.