#polyethylene

From greenhouse gases to plastics: New catalyst for recycling carbon dioxide discovered

Imagine if we could take CO2, that most notorious of greenhouse gases, and convert it into something useful. Something like plastic, for example. The positive effects could be dramatic, both diverting CO2 from the atmosphere and reducing the need for fossil fuels to make products.

A group of researchers, led by the University of Toronto Ted Sargent group, just published results that bring this possibility a lot closer.

Using the Canadian Light Source and a new technique exclusive to the facility, they were able to pinpoint the conditions that convert CO2 to ethylene most efficiently. Ethylene, in turn, is used to make polyethylene—the most common plastic used today—whose annual global production is around 80 million tonnes.

“This experiment could not have been performed anywhere else in the world, and we are thrilled with the results” says U of T Ph.D. student Phil De Luna, the lead researcher on this project.

Read more.

External surface (Left) and Internal surface (Right) of blow-moulded HDPE

System: High density polyethylene (HDPE)

[…]

Processing: A ‘parison’ (tube) is continuously extruded into a mould which periodically closes together with a knife, to cut suitable lengths which are then expanded to fill the mould

Applications: Blow moulding is a continuous process used in the manufacture of bottles as well as sheets, bags, and tubes.

Sample preparation: The specimen has been sputter-coated with gold, to give a conducting surface

Technique: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

[…]

Further information [External surface]: The surface shows periodic ridges at right angles to the flow direction. These are indicative of flow instability and a periodic slipping of the melt at the die wall. It also shows surface scratches which are typical of polymer surfaces. Hard abrasive particles, dragged across the surface, have displaced material to form grooves and ridges.

Further information [Internal surface]: The surface shows ~5 micron periodic ridges which are indicative of flow instability and a periodic slipping of the melt at the die wall. On a finer scale are catspaws of submicron polymer, drawn up by the 'wind’ in the blowing process.

Contributor: J A Curran

Organisation: Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge

Sources: (1) (2)

ANOUNCEMENT! We’ve added options to the Polyethylene Store to donate 50% or all of your purchase to COVID-19 relief! 

You can choose your charity if you leave a note, and if not we’ll be donating to One Fair Wage and Direct Relief. Stay safe!

> Polyethylene Store

[Artist preview by muevegier] [Items can be bought in a bundle or separately]

3 days left until preorders for Polyethylene, a DMMD fashion zine, close  

STORE LINK

[Artist preview by akumitai] [Items can be bought in a bundle or separately]

Happy holidays everyone! One more week until preorders for Polyethylene close  The FAQ has been updated with additional info!

STORE LINK 

- Preorders end JAN 5, PST

- Proceeds will go towards True Colors United, a New York, USA based charity that focuses on empowering LGBTQ youth and Family Giving Tree, a California, USA based charity that gives gifts and school supplies to children in need.

- Not to worry if you miss the preorder period! Surplus sales will occur after all preorder and contributor copies are shipped while supplies last. Proceeds will be collected and donated every month while supplies last.

Less than 8 hours to go to get bonus merchandise with any preorder from the Polyethylene store ! 

STORE LINK

• Pre-order bonus until DEC 19 11:59 PM PST
• Pre-orders end JAN 5 PST 

2 days left to get bonus merch with ANY pre-order from the Polyethylene store ! Realized that the date was unclear before so the deadline has been extended! 

Pre-order here: https://polyethylenezine.bigcartel.com/

Deadline: Dec 19, 11:59 PM PST 

Bonus merch package

+ 4 x 4 inch mini-print of Aoba, Ren, and Sei

+ Die-cut sticker of the Allmates

Thank you very much for waiting and thank you to our lovely artists: Pre-orders for Polyethylene: A DMMD Fashion Zine are now open!

STOREFRONT|Pre-orders open from December 5 to January 5 PST

This is a charity zine with all proceeds going towards True Colors United, a non profit that targets homelessness in LGBTQ youth through education and advocacy, as well as Family Giving Tree, a California based organization that fulfills seasonal gift wishes and school supply needs for children in need.

All orders made before December 19 will receive a pre-order bonus

!PREORDER DATE ANNOUNCEMENT!

Polyethylene, a DMMD fashion zine, will open preorders on December 5! 

Here is a preview of one of the goods, a 12 pg lingerie mini-zine featuring our lovely cast More merch will be shown during the preorder period, stay tuned!

✨Items that will be available 

✨ Participating artists

We are happy to introduce *20 featured artists in Polyethylene! Preorders will open winter of 2019 with additional merchandise and a special lingerie add-on ♡ 

*CosmonautMugen will be filling in as our pinch hitter  ♡

~~

Amaita97/bou/Cap O’Rushes/Ci/Haku/kareshirt** / Keiko/KeruChii/kimeit/Lark/Mia/Midi Mayo/MutiArt/Mueve** /niisanberg *CosmonautMugen/Nora C./OTO/pheeamms/Pluvial Capricorn/Tomo_arts/VonKellcsiis 

~~

keinsky/Soul

**They’ve had to drop, but please see their art anyway!