In the article, “Duo turn plastic waste into concrete idea”, Goy (2016) claims that company BlueRen found an eco-friendly way to have the capability to incorporate plastic waste into cement by converting plastic waste into carbon nanotubes. With this technology, it provides stronger attributes. Hence, more plastic waste can be recycled which minimize the use of cement to make concrete. BlueRen's technology involves the process of converting plastics into hydrocarbon gases and producing carbon nanotubes. However, studies have shown the conversion of plastic waste into carbon nanotubes often emit harmful gases and churn out the high cost. BlueRen was supported and given a funding to extend their research in this field of study. BlueRen technology will make a feasible choice as compared to the typical method of conversion as the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.
The article indicates great points of interest in telling the readers regarding the advantages of carbon nanotubes and the research study by BlueRen. Plastics have been an indispensable ingredient in consumer lifestyles and constitute the greatest amount of discarded material with a low rate of biodegradation. According to the statistics “Waste Statistics and Overall Recycling,”(2016), a recycling rate of 7% of plastic wastage was recycled. Plastic wastage has caught the attention of many, Singapore is desperately seeking new solutions of recycling plastic. Among recycling techniques that have been developed to reduce plastic waste, there were few which forge to develop a new technology. With the recent studies on carbon nanotubes, it became a huge demand in the industries due to its unique mechanical and electrical properties. Moreover, carbon nanotubes can be added to concrete to extend its lifespan and they are an appealing substitute for copper and gold used in manufacturing electronics. Carbon nanotubes are fabricated utilizing hydrocarbon-based gases, for example, ethylene. However, this technique for assembling is high in cost and less ecologically benevolent.
Therefore, sustainable engineering solutions are taken into consideration and engineers will see tremendous opportunities. A clean technology by company BlueRen, is addressing challenges of waste management to convert plastic waste into high-performance carbon nanotubes. BlueRen’s technology is beneficial as the process is cheaper because of the use of raw materials which stands out compared to other methods of conversion. With this effective approach to produce large quantities of carbon nanotubes at low cost, this could contribute to decreasing significant market price to foster the large industrial production of goods such as structural composite materials, thereby reducing the need for its import and making Singapore more self-reliant.
Individuals play an important role to tackle the amount of plastic wastage being generated. Hence, new ideas and technologies are considered in Singapore to test and see if they are beneficial. By tackling this problem, the government could set a quota on plastic disposables used over a period. The objectives are to allow companies to adapt to new regulations and switch to greener alternatives. One of the approaches by the government is to work with clients to implement a “structured scheme”, by rewarding consumers to bring their own reusables. These implementations could raise awareness to cut down on the number of disposables used to conserve resources. Moreover, engineers are vital to expertise and expand their concept to search for engineering solutions. However, engineers alone cannot be able to tackle plastic waste’s problem without everyone’s cooperation.
In general, the wastage of plastic has been the focal point worldwide. BlueRen addresses a promising technology for producing high-value carbon nanotubes; thus significantly increasing the economic feasibility of the process. Nevertheless, individuals, industries, and the government should work cohesively to achieve a greater level of success.
References:
TOH EE MING (June, 2016). “Govt urged to take concrete action over plastic waste.” From http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/govt-urged-take-concrete-action-over-plastic-waste
“Clean electricity from waste plastics through carbon nanotubes.” From https://www.chem.uniroma1.it/gozzi/img/w-e-project.pdf
“Recycling Plastics: New Recycling Technology and Biodegradable Polymer Development.” From http://illumin.usc.edu/7/recycling-plastics-new-recycling-technology-and-biodegradable-polymer-development/
University of Adelaide. "Turning plastic bags into high-tech materials." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 25 September 2013. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130925102651.htm>.
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