Petrochemicals – News and Features

News
Plastic Pollution Is on Track To Double by 2050
A study by UCSB scientists shows a UN treaty could cut global plastic pollution by 91% by 2050. Policies include 40% recycled content mandates, production caps, improved waste management, and fees on plastic packaging.

News
Green Flight Paths Could Make Aviation More Sustainable, Say Researchers
Green flight paths, focused on key routes like London-Dubai, may fast-track aviation decarbonization by demonstrating sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) feasibility. Researchers suggest prioritizing SAF investment to support scaling this technology.

Industry Insight
Current Trends and Emerging Technologies in Separation Science
Dr. Anthony Edge, chair of ISC 2024 and chair of the Permanent Scientific Committee of ISC, discusses some of the key takeaways from this year's meeting and explores the technologies set to transform separation science.

News
Bio-Based Fibers May Harm Earthworms
A study found that bio-based fibers, specifically viscose and lyocell, caused higher mortality rates in earthworms compared to polyester fibers. In high concentrations, up to 80% of earthworms died from viscose exposure.

News
Starch Nanocomposite Films Pave the Way for Greener, Biodegradable Electronics
A study introduces biodegradable, flexible nanocomposites made from starch and MXene, showcasing their potential for various electronic and sensing applications. These materials degrade within a month in soil.

News
Scientists Develop Advanced Materials To Capture Benzene in the Atmosphere
A study introduces a modified metal-organic framework (MOF) capable of capturing benzene, a known carcinogen, from polluted air. The new material, MIL-125-Zn, demonstrates significant efficiency in removing benzene.

News
Researchers Develop Tool To Quantify Environmental Impact of Biodegradable Microplastics
Until now, scientists haven’t had the tools to assess the impact of biodegradable plastics that are not disposed of properly.

News
Researchers One Step Closer to Growing Industrial Chemicals in Trees
Researchers at NC State University have identified that the methoxy content in lignin influences microbial fermentation, facilitating the conversion of trees into sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based industrial chemicals.

News
Transforming Wastewater Into High-Value Biopolymers
Researchers are developing methods to extract valuable biopolymers from wastewater treatment plants. These biopolymers offer sustainable alternatives to oil-based products, with potential applications in industries like construction and paper.

News
Improved Catalytic Converters Cut Harmful Pollution From Hydrogen Engines
A UC Riverside study reveals a low-cost method to enhance catalytic converters for hydrogen-burning engines, reducing nitrogen oxide emissions. The new system increases the conversion of nitrogen oxides to harmless substances by four to five times.
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