Boffins at Global Resource Corporation have come up with a microwave machine dubbed the Hawk 10 which they say can recycle plastic back to oil and gas using 1200 different microwave frequencies. This has got to be pretty good news, especially when you read about the huge piles of toxic plastic scrap which are poisoning our oceans.
Key to GRC’s process is a machine that uses 1200 different frequencies within the microwave range, which act on specific hydrocarbon materials. As the material is zapped at the appropriate wavelength, part of the hydrocarbons that make up the plastic and rubber in the material are broken down into diesel oil and combustible gas. GRC’s machine is called the Hawk-10. Its smaller incarnations look just like an industrial microwave with bits of machinery attached to it. Larger versions resemble a concrete mixer.
What’s not to like? Well, here’s hoping they don’t use the oil so gained to stick in the nearest Prius’ fuel hole.
Assuming it’s the ultimate in recycling, and unless I have missed a trick, there’s the ocean of plastic my local council won’t… yet… take, too.
Mind you, as a lot of my site is about turning them into other, equally useful things, do keep back a few. You never know when they may come in handy!