An Alternative Solution to Recycling Latex Paint
There is technology that can turn unwanted postconsumer latex paint into high volume and much in demand products. Thanks to the research conducted at Rutgers University it is possible to turn recycled latex paint into cost effective moldable composition plastic. The researchers have determined that when the latex paint is blended with recycled HDPE (the same material milk containers are made from) or PMMA (Plexiglas) the paint adds to the composition matter of HDPE without changing its characteristics and in the case of PMMA it actually enhances the acrylic and turns it into a composition that resembles an engineered plastic.
The moldable blended HDPE can be formed into a multitude of products such as plastic paint cans, bottles or other packaging material as well as plastic lumber. The blended PMMA engineered plastic has several high value uses such as automobile parts, electronic casings or sports equipment.
This technology not only addresses the need for an environmentally positive alternative for processing unwanted latex paint, but also diminishes the demand for foreign oil used to make virgin plastic as well as reducing green house gases produced in the plastic manufacturing process.
|
Home