Reader response draft 1

In the article, “Duo turn plastic waste into concrete idea”, Goy (2016) claims that company BlueRen found an eco-friendly way to have the capability to incorporate plastic waste in to cement by converting plastic waste into carbon nanotubes. With this technology, it provides stronger attributes. Hence, more plastic waste can be recycled which minimize the use of cement to make concrete. BlueRen's technology involves the process of converting plastics into hydrocarbon gases and producing carbon nanotubes. However, studies have shown the conversion of plastic waste into carbon nanotubes often emit harmful gases and churns out high cost. BlueRen was supported and given a funding to extend their research in this field of study. BlueRen technology will make a feasible choice as compared to the typical method of conversion as the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

Firstly, we need to understanding the importance of recycling plastic waste. According to the article "Plastic recycling" by zero waste Singapore, it stated that plastic waste takes more than a few hundred years to recycle and plastic waste is non-biodegradable. This would mean that landfill space is require to bury the plastic and which will involve natural resources and energy. Moreover, based on another article "Plastic waste threaten to marine life", Juliette (2002) stated plastic waste are being washed in to the ocean each year and this would mean that animals in the ocean might consume the plastic which have the possibility of suffocating or getting tangled up with the plastic when the animals use it to build their nest. This might cause the animal to drown or starve, becoming an easy prey.

Secondly, we need to understand the use of carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes are made using pure carbon. The material is light yet strong. Based on a research article, "CNT Technology overview", nanoscience instruments stated that carbon nanotubes are a hundred times stronger than steel, weighs one sixth of the steel weight and is smaller than a human hair.  After carbon nanotubes was being discovered, more popular  choice to use is for structural reinforcement with the flexibility to change to many structures and the strength. However, the forming of carbon nanotube is inefficient as the catalyst and nanotube formation required hot gas steam.

With carbon nanotube being a huge demand in the market and industry, it would definitely be a key success for BlueRen company once they are able to covert the plastic waste in to carbon nanotubes.

Therefore, it is important to convert plastic waste to carbon nanotubes as it would not only safe the environment, but save cost to produce carbon nanotubes. However, the initial way of converting plastic waste to carbon nanotubes are often too costly and emits harmful gases after it was made possible in 2009 according to Goy(2016). Yet, BlueRen company offers a different process concept which uses different mineral as catalyst which is more sustainable to the environment and eco-friendly. By converting the plastic waste to carbon nanotubes which will be used in cements, it is estimated that there is a 30% savings in cement usuage and a cost efficient alternative to recycle the plastic waste rather than disposing it through burning or landfill. This brings out the best of both world as the idea would not only be cost saving, but also environmentally friendly.

In retrospect, converting plastic waste to carbon nanotube offers a different kind of solution towards recycling plastic waste and a cost saving solution to carbon nanotubes which is a favourable solution.

References:

Duo turned plastic waste in to a concrete idea

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/duo-turn-plastic-waste-into-a-concrete-idea

Plastic recycling 

http://www.zerowastesg.com/2008/12/08/plastics-recycling/

Plastic waste threat to marine life

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2007/sep/16/pollution.travelnews

CNT technology overview

http://www.nanoscience.com/applications/education/overview/cnt-technology-overview/