Scientists find a way to recycle diapers


Team Udayavani, Aug 1, 2021, 10:53 AM IST

Source: unsplash

Baby diapers are made up of non-biodegradable materials and end up polluting the environment. A group of scientists at the University of Michigan has come up with a method to untangle the absorbent polymers and recycle them into gooey adhesives that can be used in sticky notes and bandages.

The study is published in the Nature Communications and includes, Anne McNeil, professor of chemistry and macromolecular science and engineering, and Takunda Chazovachii, who graduated from the University of Michigan with his doctoral degree in polymer chemistry. The group of scientists developed a three-step process that turns superabsorbent polymers into reusable adhesives. The press release mentions that the method used to recycle the used diapers needed to be energy-efficient and able to be deployed on an industrial scale.

Chazovachii in a press statement said that the superabsorbent polymers are particularly difficult to recycle because they resist degradation and permanently retain water. It further mentioned that the superabsorbent polymers and adhesives are both derived from acrylic acid. Considering this common denominator, the researchers were inspired to take on chemical recycling.

McNeil, the paper’s corresponding author, said that the superabsorbent materials made of polymers resemble a loosely woven fishing net. In case of this, the polymers had a crosslink every 2,000 units instead of a honeycomb pattern.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today

Udupi: Gas cylinder explosion during party causes extensive damage in apartment

Stay Safe Online: Tips to avoid cyber fraud!

FIR against Sanjay Raut’s brother for remarks against Shiv Sena’s woman leader

Kodagu murder case accused escapes from police in Hyderabad

Karnataka Maritime Board announces plans for Mangaluru Water Metro Project

Royal Enfield forays into electric bike segment; unveils first model under Flying Flea brand

Related Articles More

Stay Safe Online: Tips to avoid cyber fraud!

Three Chinese astronauts enter space station after successful launch

What is AI superintelligence? Could it destroy humanity? And is it really almost here?

IIT-B develops method to maintain comfortable temperature inside homes in joint research

Scammers use fear and urgency to con people using ‘digital arrest’, online scams: Cyber advisory

MUST WATCH

Gho Pooja in Deepavali Festival

Melukote Deepavali

Ganapathi Co-operative Society Ltd

Udayavani Chinnara Banna 2024

Annapoorna Aahar | Food Places In Mysore


Latest Additions

Canadian cop suspended for attending pro-Khalistan protest outside Hindu temple

Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today

Udupi: Gas cylinder explosion during party causes extensive damage in apartment

Stay Safe Online: Tips to avoid cyber fraud!

FIR against Sanjay Raut’s brother for remarks against Shiv Sena’s woman leader

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.