Researchers at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) have created a new type of flexible plastic that can change its shape. This occurs through the tempering process, which consists of using high temperatures to shape the material and cooling it to maintain its shape.
Understands:
- Researchers at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) have created a type of flexible plastic that can be molded into different shapes;
- The material is heated at temperatures ranging from 60°C to 110°C and quickly cooled in a refrigerator to maintain its shape;
- This discovery could have positive impacts on the plastic recycling process and change the way underwater expeditions and space missions are carried out;
- The material can be reprocessed seven times and maintain its shape for at least a month;
- The discovery was published in Science Magazine.
The discovery, published in the journal Science, could improve the recycling process and revolutionize spaceflight and underwater travel, explained Stuart Rowan, a chemist at the University of Chicago and author of the study, when New York times: “Instead of taking different types of plastic with you, take this plastic and give it the necessary properties.”
One plastic, multiple functions
Unlike common plastics, after heating and molding, the new material maintains its shape when returned to room temperature. It can also be reprocessed at least seven times and maintain its shape for at least a month, according to the researchers.
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In the experiments, the plastic was heated to temperatures ranging from 140 to 230 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius to 110 degrees Celsius) and placed in a refrigerator to cool quickly. In one test, it was possible to shape the material into the shape of a spoon and make it solid enough to scoop some peanut butter from a jar.
However, the material is still far from replacing classic plastic, explains Nicholas Boynton, a graduate student at the University of Chicago and leader of the experiments: “We're not there yet, but we're very close.” I think having material that can access this huge variety is really exciting right now.
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