According to an estimation by the United Nations, each year above 8 million tons of plastic flows into the oceans. Researchers from Purdue University are carrying out their experiments in order to minimize plastic waste pollution. They have discovered a chemical conversion process which shows positive result in transforming the world’s plastic waste. Such chemical process turns polyolefin waste into various valuable products.
However, Linda Wang, Professor at Purdue University said that the researchers are aiming towards recycling the conversion of plastic waste. They are trying to convert such waste into a wide array of useful products include naphtha, polymers, and clean fuels. Moreover, Linda has also asserted that this technology has enough potential in boosting the profits of various recycling industries. Therefore, it would also help in shrinking the world’s polyolefin waste stock.
Clean Fuels Derived from Plastic Waste Satisfies 4 Percent Annual Demand for Diesel Fuels
A team of postdoctoral researchers at Purdue with assistant professors of School of Engineering Technology are optimizing this conversion process. They are converting 90 percent of polyolefin waste into several products and also aiming at producing high-quality diesel fuels, gasoline.
Furthermore, this chemical conversion process integrates hydrothermal liquefaction and selective extraction. Researchers found that after transforming the plastic into naphtha, the product works as a feedstock for other chemicals. Moreover, the further separation of naphtha results into specialty solvents and several useful products.
Wang is highly optimistic about the technology. She hopes for this chemical process technology to stimulate the recycling industry for reducing plastic waste worldwide.
