A new type of plastic has been developed by scientists at the University of Surrey.
The material, that turns into a gas when heated and reforms into a solid when cooled, could create a new approach to processing and recycling polymers (molecules found in plastics).
Researchers have introduced a system that could simplify how materials are applied, removed and recycled by eliminating several of the complex processing steps that are currently used.
Dr Peter Roth, corresponding author of the study, said: “Most plastics are designed to be stable, which is exactly what makes them difficult to recycle or remove. We’ve shown that it’s possible to create a material that behaves very differently – one that can transform into a vapour at relatively low temperatures before naturally rebuilding itself into the same polymer.
“This isn’t a replacement for conventional plastics, and it’s certainly not a solution to the global plastic waste problem. But it does introduce a new concept that could inspire an entirely new generation of circular materials.”
Conventional plastics like polyethylene, which is used in carrier bags and shampoo bottles, are not suitable for recycling. At the same time, other recyclable plastics have to be heated up to around 150 to 200C to be broken down.
The new material is similar to polyethylene as it is soft, insoluble and hydrophobic but it can be broken down after being heated to just 90C.
The study provides a new concept for plastics and could eventually enable fresh ways pf applying and removing waterproof coatings.
