Singapore produces super light materials from plastic waste

Singapore researchers are filing a patent application for a new lightweight, heat-resistant, lightweight material made from recycled plastic.

According to the Reuters news agency, the Singapore team is expected to contribute to reducing the amount of plastic waste discharged into the oceans, oceans or pile of non-biodegradable waste for hundreds of years.

Scientists at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have found a way to turn plastic bottles made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into ultra-light aerogels with a lot of potential for life. .

Researchers showcase ultra-light materials made from recycled plastic bottles - (Photo: REUTERS).

"Plastic waste is one of the hardest to recycle," said Duong Minh Hai , an associate professor in the department of mechanical engineering at the National University of Singapore. Therefore, the team has sought new ways to reduce the amount of waste in the world.

According to the UN Environment Program, about 8 million tons of plastic waste displace the oceans each year, destroying many aquatic organisms and infiltrating even the human food chain.

According to the research team, the new lightweight material called PET aerogel is made from discarded plastic bottles that are soft, elastic and lightweight.

A recycled plastic bottle can create a sheet of aerogel material of A4 size paper. This material can be customized for a variety of uses.

For example, this material, if coated with a flame retardant, can withstand temperatures up to 620 degrees Celsius. This is seven times more heat-resistant than fire resistance in firefighter's clothing. only slightly less than 10% of its mass.