Tag

Polyethylene

All articles tagged with #polyethylene

technology25 days ago•5 min saved

Low-Temp Molten-Salt Route Converts Plastic Waste Into Fuel

Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers report a molten-salt process using aluminum-chloride–based salts to convert polyethylene plastic waste into gasoline- and diesel-like fuels at temperatures below 200°C, achieving about 60% gasoline yield without noble-metal catalysts, organic solvents, or external hydrogen, offering a potentially scalable and energy-efficient alternative to pyrolysis—though water sensitivity remains a major challenge for scaling.

via SciTechDaily|

#fuels #molten-salts #plastic-waste

health2 months ago•4 min saved

Microplastics Detected in Blood of Most Severe Heart Attack Patients, Study Shows

A study of 61 patients undergoing coronary angiograms found micro- and nanoplastics in the blood of about 84% of those with active severe heart attacks, with polyethylene most commonly detected; researchers stress that this shows association, not causation, and smoking and air pollution complicate interpretation. The authors suggest reducing daily plastic exposure (e.g., using glass containers) as part of a broader heart-healthy lifestyle.

via New York Post|

#angiogram #environment #health

science7 months ago•18 min saved

Microplastics Found Deep in Human Brains, More Common in Dementia Patients

A study of 52 donated brains found microplastics, including polyethylene, in all samples, with higher concentrations in newer specimens and three to five times more particles in some dementia patients, indicating the plastics can cross the blood–brain barrier and accumulate in deep brain regions. While the findings raise concerns about potential brain effects, researchers say causality isn’t established and more work is needed to understand exposure and health implications.

via Earth.com|

#brain #dementia #microplastics

environment-energy8 months ago•10 min saved

Hot Cups Leach Microplastics: Temperature Key in Takeaway Coffee

A new study shows takeaway cups shed thousands of microplastic particles when hot, with temperature being the main driver. In Brisbane tests, all-plastic cups released more microplastics than paper cups with plastic linings at both cold and hot temperatures, and hotter liquids increased releases by about one third for plastic cups. The researchers estimate that sipping 300 ml daily from polyethylene cups could expose a person to roughly 363,000 microplastics per year. To reduce risk, use reusable cups or request cooler drinks, and avoid pouring boiling liquids into plastic-lined containers. While health impacts remain uncertain, the study highlights how material choice and heat affect microplastic exposure.

via The Conversation|

#coffee-cups #environment-energy #microplastics

science1 year ago•2 min saved

Plastic-Eating Caterpillars Turn Trash Into Body Fat

Waxworms can eat and break down plastic, specifically polyethylene, thanks to enzymes in their saliva, and they store the plastic as body fat. However, a diet solely of plastic shortens their lives and reduces their mass, making them unsuitable for direct environmental cleanup. Researchers see potential in re-engineering their plastic-degrading pathways or using them in controlled, co-supplemented environments for plastic waste management and possibly producing insect biomass for commercial use.

via IFLScience|

#biodegradation #environmental-remediation #plastic-degradation