Page 77 - Plastics News July 2024

PRODUCT NEWS

PET Regulation and Future Opportunities In the case of new market opportunities, first mov-
ers must weigh risk and reward, raise capital, and
Incentives can be either carrots or sticks. As stated take the plunge. When regulations and market op-
at the outset, California recently enacted AB793, portunities align, the likelihood of a profitable out-
which establishes minimum recycled content re- come increases. In California, a 21st-century “plas-
quirements for plastic (PET) beverage containers. tics rush” seems to be underway.
The European Union will soon introduce a program Source – Plastics Engineering
charging companies €0.80/kg for non-recycled
plastics. Starting in 2022, the United Kingdom will
charge firms £0.20/kg for plastic packaging that
contains less than 30 percent recycled content.

MXene Hydrogels: A Plastics Industry

Breakthrough

proved mechanical strength, electrical conductivity,
and versatile functionalities.
Fundamentals of MXene Hydrogels

MXenes exhibit a unique combination of hydrophi-
licity, metallic conductivity, and high aspect ratio
morphology. These characteristics make them ideal
for forming stable and functional hydrogels. The
gelation mechanisms of MXene hydrogels involve
complex interactions at the nanoscale, which re-
quire precise engineering to optimize their proper-
ties. MXene hydrogels consist of three-dimensional
(3D) networks that combine the benefits of both
hydrogels and MXenes, resulting in materials with
enhanced performance and stability.
Types of Synthesis

The synthesis of these types of materials typically be-
gins with the production of MXene nanosheets. Ini-
tially, this process involves selectively etching the “A”
MXene hydrogels are emerging as innovative mate- layers from parent MAX phases using fluoride-con-
rials with promising applications across various in- taining etching methods. Subsequently, research-
dustries, including conductive plastic materials and ers delaminate the resulting MXene nanosheets to
packaging. form single—or few-layered structures. Next, they
incorporate MXenes into hydrogels using various
MXenes are two-dimensional (2D) transition metal synthesis techniques, including vacuum-assisted fil-
carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides with unique tration, interaction with graphene oxide (GO), and
properties that enhance the performance of hydro- crosslinkers like polymers or metal ions. Ultimately,
gels. By integrating MXenes into hydrogel systems, these methods form stable 3D structures essential
researchers have developed materials with im- for the gelation process.

July 2024 PLASTICS NEWS 79