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Petrochemicals – News and Features

Three researchers in a lab.
News

Chemists Create Recyclable Alternative to Durable Plastics

Researchers have developed a bio-based alternative to thermoset plastics that is both tough and fully recyclable. Using dihydrofuran (DHF) as a monomer, the material can be chemically recycled and naturally degraded.
Smoke clouds produced from fossil fuels.
News

Turning Pine Into Flexible, Eco-Friendly Polyurethane Foams

Researchers developed flexible, bio-based polyurethane foam using lignin extracted from pine. This eco-friendly alternative replaces 20% of petroleum-based chemicals and matches conventional foam in strength and flexibility.
The top of a glue bottle.
News

Reusable Polymer Adhesive Outperforms Common Superglue

Colorado State University scientists have created a biodegradable and reusable adhesive polymer from P3HB, a natural biopolymer. The re-engineered material outperforms traditional petroleum-based adhesives like Gorilla Glue.
A researcher pouring out a cup of polystyrene waste into their hand.
News

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Additives Made From Recycled Polystyrene

Scientists at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center developed a method to produce ethylbenzene, a crucial aromatic hydrocarbon for jet fuels, from polystyrene waste. The process yields a cost-effective, 90% pure ethylbenzene additive.
A block of concrete made with biochar material.
News

Carbon-Storing Buildings Have Potential To Lock Away Billions of Tons of Carbon Dioxide

A UC Davis and Stanford University study reveals that construction materials, such as concrete, plastics, and bricks, could store billions of tons of carbon dioxide. Approaches include biochar-infused concrete and bio-based plastics.
Three researchers in a lab.
News

New Catalyst Turns Methane Into Useful Polymers

MIT researchers developed a hybrid catalyst that converts methane to polymers at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Combining zeolites and enzymes, the catalyst efficiently produces urea-formaldehyde while reducing methane emissions.
Person holds pipette in lab.
News

Highlights From My Green Lab’s 2024 Carbon Review of Biotech and Pharma

Technology Networks breaks down the key insights from My Green Lab's 2024 Carbon Impact of Biotech & Pharma Report.
An illustration showing a polluted city on one side of the catalyst's structure, and a clean mountain scene on the other.
News

Improved Zeolite Catalyst Turns Harmful Greenhouse Gases Into Clean Fuel

An improved zeolite catalyst can covert methane and carbon dioxide into syngas, a valuable clean fuel used by oil and chemical companies worldwide.
Two researchers looking at a tablet screen.
News

Inexpensive Catalyst Recycles Methane Emissions at Room Temperature

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a room-temperature catalyst for converting methane into ethane, a useful chemical. The system offers an efficient, low-cost alternative to traditional catalysts.
Green and yellow fuel pumps.
News

Novel Electro-Biodiesel Cuts Down on Carbon Emissions and Land Use

Researchers have used electrocatalysis of carbon dioxide to form biodiesel feedstock.
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