In the article “Duo Plastic Waste Into A Concrete Idea”by (Priscilla
Goy,) Scientists discovered a sustainable solution to transform tiny cylinder of
carbon atoms from plastic waste to carbon nanotubes. Company BLUEREN made a
revolutionary invention for plastic waste to be recycled, by transforming
plastic waste to carbon material for concrete and replaced use of cement. In
2001 plastic recycling was not practiced. From 2014, 9 per cent out of 869 kilo
tonnes of plastic waste were recycled, the remaining 91 per cent were not.
Co-founder Wong Chui Ling said that there have been studies on converting
plastic waste into carbon nanotubes but they are not feasible. Their aim is to
commercialise the technology that has been available. BlueRen’s method gives a
10 per cent yield conversion and if used in concrete, cement use could cut by 30
per cent.
The plastic waste
that are recycled into CNT has perform an important role in
Singapore by tackling the solution regarding to the amount of plastic waste
generated. In addition, it helps Singapore’s buildings to be sustainable.
Mentioned in
the article by (Goy), in year 2001 to 2014, merely a small percent out of the
hundred thousand of waste generated are being recycled. Which means the 91% are
either disposed in the landfill, incinerated, or disposed unnecessary. As
plastics are biodegradable, from the research article “Carbon Neutral Earth”, (September
27,2017) mentioned for a plastic bottle to biodegrade its approximately 400
years. During this long period of duration either our landfill will soon be out
of space or these plastics will be floating in the ocean. When plastics are
left on a landfill a long period of time, methane gas and carbon dioxide will
be produce thus contributing more toxic gas to the environment during
biodegrading process. If these plastics are disposed on land or in the ocean,
it will cause choking to our drainage systems which creates flooding and soil
erosion or even death of marine animals by mistaking it as food. The practice
of recycling and reuse of plastic prevent unwanted production cost to new
plastics as well as increasing the future quantity of plastic wastes in
Singapore. In the view of Singapore, in the article” Bigger Rubbish Dump Grows
Bigger” (ST, July 12) gives a rough estimation of about 200,000 of waste being
disposed in Pulau Semakau every year. With the continuous rate of waste dumped,
the island soon will be out of space by 2035. (Minister Balakrishnan) strongly
encourage Singaporean to consistently practice recycling. Although government
has his plans of reclaiming more lands for landfilling of waste but these are
just temporary solutions. BlueRen currently able to utilize the opportunity
from their technology to recycle more plastic waste to counter the current
situation faced.
Furthermore,
(Wong) mentioned that there are many methods out there in converting plastic
waste to CNT, but they are not feasible. According to research
article on” The Disadvantage Of Recycling Plastic” (Dennis Hartman, 2017) states that
plastic recycling can cause negative impacts on environment such that during heat reactions to melt plastics will produce carbon emissions that contributes to global warming. In addition, considering the cost of converting plastic wastes to CNT with tradition method, they are costly and creates carbon footprint to
environment.
Referring to the article by “This Grey Powder Was A Plastic, Now A Valuable Material” by (Sabina-Leah Fernandez), she states that BlueRen currently achieved a viable solution to recycling of plastic waste issue. The procedures are simpler yet effective. During its process, there are minimal to zero carbon foot print or other form of toxic pollutants released as compare against the tradition method. On the other hand, the mixed cements of CNT used for making concrete has decrease by a percentage of 30. Which means cements for constructing of buildings or other infrastructures will achieved an effective cost savings for building materials. Besides the mentioned benefit, life span of concrete with the CNT cements are able to lengthen lifespans' of buildings. This shows that the buildings' structures will able to maintain good conditions, properly sustained and eventually reduces extra time and cost incurred for maintenance by building owners.
Another benefit to be address is the integrating of CNT as additives into the cements. The cements then received enhancement, fully compounded with compressive and high tensile strength and increased of ductility. These cements will be ideally effective to make concretes for constructions purposes. In the sum of all the benefits mentioned above, building owners who are going through the BCA Green mark assessments are able to score points under the sustainable construction requirements whereby owners have met the standard in fitting to the criteria of using recycled materials and adopting into the buildings. Singapore construction companies are also able to reduce the needs to import cements from our neighbouring countries where they can directly make purchase of CNT cements in Singapore or BlueRen are able to sell its product overseas to increase its sales and revenues for the company.
Referring to the article by “This Grey Powder Was A Plastic, Now A Valuable Material” by (Sabina-Leah Fernandez), she states that BlueRen currently achieved a viable solution to recycling of plastic waste issue. The procedures are simpler yet effective. During its process, there are minimal to zero carbon foot print or other form of toxic pollutants released as compare against the tradition method. On the other hand, the mixed cements of CNT used for making concrete has decrease by a percentage of 30. Which means cements for constructing of buildings or other infrastructures will achieved an effective cost savings for building materials. Besides the mentioned benefit, life span of concrete with the CNT cements are able to lengthen lifespans' of buildings. This shows that the buildings' structures will able to maintain good conditions, properly sustained and eventually reduces extra time and cost incurred for maintenance by building owners.
Another benefit to be address is the integrating of CNT as additives into the cements. The cements then received enhancement, fully compounded with compressive and high tensile strength and increased of ductility. These cements will be ideally effective to make concretes for constructions purposes. In the sum of all the benefits mentioned above, building owners who are going through the BCA Green mark assessments are able to score points under the sustainable construction requirements whereby owners have met the standard in fitting to the criteria of using recycled materials and adopting into the buildings. Singapore construction companies are also able to reduce the needs to import cements from our neighbouring countries where they can directly make purchase of CNT cements in Singapore or BlueRen are able to sell its product overseas to increase its sales and revenues for the company.
In
conclusion, the advantages and benefits from BlueRen technology has shown more
positive impacts than negatives. This positive impacts shows several benefits from sustaining buildings in Singapore to construction companies and sales/profits. With future research and commitment of BlueRen, I foresee
optimistic outcomes to solve current and future problems to plastic waste issue in Singapore.
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