Page 69 - Plastics News June 2024

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Nanotechnology is revolutionizing the enhanced protection against moisture, Efficient Polymerization Techniques:
field of plastics by enabling the devel- gases, and UV light. Advances in polymerization tech-
opment of nanocomposites and hybrid Sustainable Manufacturing Processes niques, such as controlled radical po-
materials with enhanced properties. By lymerization and catalytic processes,
incorporating nanoparticles into plas- In addition to developing new materi- enable the production of high-quality
tics, researchers can create materials als, innovations in plastics technology plastics with precise properties. These
with improved strength, barrier prop- also focus on sustainable manufactur- techniques improve the efficiency and
erties, and conductivity. ing processes. These processes aim to sustainability of plastic manufacturing.
reduce energy consumption, minimize
Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs): CNTs are waste, and lower the environmental Conclusion:
used to reinforce plastics, creating ma- impact of plastic production. Innovations in plastics technology
terials with exceptional strength and are transforming the material science
electrical conductivity. Applications 3D Printing: Additive manufacturing,
include lightweight structural compo- or 3D printing, allows for the creation landscape, offering solutions to some
of the most pressing environmen-
nents, conductive films, and advanced of complex plastic parts with mini- tal and industrial challenges. From
composites. mal waste. This technology is used biodegradable and high-performance
in prototyping, customized products,
Graphene: This single layer of carbon and small-scale production, reducing plastics to smart materials and nano-
atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice the need for traditional manufacturing composites, these advancements are
offers remarkable mechanical, elec- processes. pushing the boundaries of what is pos-
trical, and thermal properties. Gra- sible. As researchers and manufactur-
phene-enhanced plastics are used in Green Chemistry: The use of environ- ers continue to explore new frontiers
electronics, energy storage, and high- mentally friendly chemical processes in plastics technology, the potential
performance composites. and renewable feedstocks in plastic for creating sustainable, durable, and
production is gaining traction. Green multifunctional materials is vast. By
Clay Nanocomposites: Incorporating chemistry principles aim to reduce haz-
clay nanoparticles into plastics im- ardous substances, energy consump- embracing these innovations, we can
pave the way for a more sustainable
proves their barrier properties, mak- tion, and waste generation, promoting and technologically advanced future.
ing them ideal for packaging applica- sustainable plastic manufacturing.
tions. These nanocomposites provide Source – Plastics Technology

Converting biodegradable plastic waste into green energy

ecovering biodegradable plas- nologies. in the project.
tic waste through anaerobic The project, financed by the Valencian The aim will therefore be to study, at
co-digestion treatment with Institute of Competitiveness and Inno- laboratory and pilot scale, the degra-
sludge from sewage treat- vation (IVACE+i) within the framework dation of different plastics through
ment plants (STP) to obtain a biogas of the European Union’s 2023 strategic biological treatment with sludge from
stream that can be used as an energy cooperation projects, seeks to imple- municipal sewage treatment plants un-
vector and a digestate for agriculture. ment an alternative to current manage- der anaerobic conditions. The possi-

This is the main objective of ment of biodegradable plastic packag- ble effects of the additives used in the
Valplast(Recovery of bioplastics ing waste that is aligned with circular synthesis of plastics (conventional and
through anaerobic co-digestion at economy principles. bioplastics) in the anaerobic treatment
sewage treatment plants), a strategic “The main innovation of the project in- process and the subsequent quality of
project in which a consortium of mem- volves understanding that bioplastics the digested sludge will also be evalu-
bers participates, including Aimplas, are a resource that can be recovered ated, given that its main application is
the Calagua Group UPV-UV Mixed and transformed into green energy”, agricultural use.
Unit, and the companies Global Om- according to researchers participating Work will also be done on the devel-
nium Medioambiente and Fych Tech-

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PLASTICS NEWSASTICS NEWS
June 2024