Breakthrough Technology in Synthetic Chemistry by Stanford & IBM
Katie Cordrey — March 12, 2010 — Eco
References: pubs.acs.org & grist.org
Stanford and IBM scientists have discovered a way to formulate new types of endlessly recyclable plastics. By using organic catalysts instead of metal oxides, new plastics can be made from items that were previously considered non-recyclable and non-degrading plastics can be made biodegradable.
Lead researcher Chandrasekhar "Spike" Narayan believes that the breakthrough technology will revolutionize the field of synthetic chemistry. It will certainly increase the future ability to recycle and reuse PET and plant-based plastics.
Implications - The only limitation that Chandrasekhar "Spike" Narayan points out is that once plastic has been transformed into one object, it is limited as to what it can transform into a second time.
Lead researcher Chandrasekhar "Spike" Narayan believes that the breakthrough technology will revolutionize the field of synthetic chemistry. It will certainly increase the future ability to recycle and reuse PET and plant-based plastics.
Implications - The only limitation that Chandrasekhar "Spike" Narayan points out is that once plastic has been transformed into one object, it is limited as to what it can transform into a second time.
Trend Themes
1. Endlessly Recyclable Plastics - Using organic catalysts to create recyclable plastics revolutionizes the field of synthetic chemistry.
Industry Implications
1. Plastics Recycling - Opportunity for developing new recycling processes for endlessly recyclable plastics.
2. Biodegradable Plastics - Potential to create biodegradable plastics from previously non-degrading materials.
3. Chemical Manufacturing - Disruptive innovation in the formulation of new types of plastics using organic catalysts instead of metal oxides.
3.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
