Penn State Researchers Explore Coal and Lasers for Enhanced Plastic Recycling
Researchers at Penn State are investigating a novel method to improve plastic recycling by incorporating tiny particles of Pennsylvania anthracite coal into plastics. These coal particles, when exposed to lasers, absorb light and convert it into targeted heat, which can then break down polymer bonds. This approach aims to overcome the inherent durability of plastics, which are designed to resist chemical reactivity, making traditional recycling processes difficult and energy-intensive. The project, funded by the Institute of Energy and the Environment's seed grant program, seeks to make more types of plastic recyclable, reduce the need for extensive sorting, and lower the overall energy consumption of the recycling process. The team includes Benjamin Lear, a professor of chemistry, James Adair, a professor of materials science and engineering, and Jonathan Mathews, a professor in energy and mineral engineering, who are leveraging their expertise in inorganic chemistry, fine particles, and coal science, res... 
