Final draft(Reader response)

In the article “Duo turn plastic waste into concrete idea”, Goy (2016) reports that a technology company, BlueRen found an eco-friendly way to incorporate plastic waste as a concrete additive with the objective to commercialise the product. Goy stated that the technology provides stronger attributes which enhances the overall strength of concrete since carbon nanotubes have been proved to be a hundred times stronger than steel. Goy emphasis that BlueRen's technology will reduce the usage of cement by 30 percent. Goy mentioned the technology involves the process of converting plastics into hydrocarbon gases and producing carbon nanotubes. Since BlueRen uses a different catalyst which is more environmentally friendly, the technology does not emit harmful gases unlike normal conversion of plastic waste into carbon nanotubes. Recycled carbon nanotubes from plastic waste has the capability of protecting the environment while being cost-effective will lead to a huge market demand in the near future.

Understanding the importance of recycling plastic waste and environmental protection is essential. An article by Jowit (2002) stated that plastic wastes were being washed into the ocean each year and animals in the ocean might consume the plastic. This raises the possibility of suffocating or getting tangled up with the plastic when the animals use the plastic waste to build their nest which causes the animals to drown or starve. Another article by Connor(2016) stated that the plastic waste in the sea will increase by ten times in 2020.Therefore,  if no actions are taken as soon as possible, there will be a huge increase in the amount of dead animals due to plastic waste. The article also highlighted the current plastic waste causes 90 per cent of seabirds near the coastline consumes plastic waste as food. Thus, the importance of recycling plastic waste will undeniably save the environment and protect animals from the potential harm of plastic waste and action must be taken as soon as possible.

The need to understand the demand of carbon nanotubes in the market and how the conversion is cost saving is important. Carbon nanotubes are made using pure carbon which is light yet strong. Based on "CNT Technology Overview", nanoscience instruments stated that carbon nanotubes are a hundred times stronger than steel, weighs one-sixth of steel’s weight and is thinner than a strand of human hair. Carbon nanotubes is widely used for structural reinforcement with the flexibility to change many structures and their strength after being discovered. With the worsening of environment due to plastic waste, BlueRen's technology can be emphasised and harnessed for their strong attributes. BlueRen's technology will raised  the demand in the market and industry due to the ability save the environment and the strong attributes.

In hindsight, converting plastic waste to carbon nanotube is a favourable solution for the necessity to protect the environment while being able to be a cost saving solution.

References:

Goy.P (2017). Duo turned plastic waste in to a concrete idea. Straitstimes

Retrieved from

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

Plastic recycling (2008). Zero waste Singapore,

Retrieved from

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

Jowit.J (2007). Plastic waste threat to marine life. Theguardian.

Retrieved from

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

CNT technology overview. Nanoscience instruments (N.D.).

Retrieved from

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

Connor.S (2016). How scientists plan to clean up plastic waste threatening marine life. Retrieved from
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/how-scientists-plan-to-clean-up-the-plastic-waste-threatening-marine-life-a6820276.html