Researchers discover a mind-blowing method to give aluminum foil a "new lease of life": "Real-world impact"

Researchers from Oman have developed an ingenious "green synthesisMethod to give aluminum foil a new life beyond Reynolds Wrap.

Experts from the National University of Science and Technology have developed an eco-friendly approach to turn old foil into aluminum oxide nanoparticles. They can be used in multiple settings, including healthcare, agriculture, and industry.accordingto the publication AL Circle and theOman News Agency.

Humans generate a huge amount of aluminum waste worth millions of dollars. In the U.S. alone, Business Insiderreportedthat $800 million worth of cans are trashed each year. Data from 2023 from The Aluminum Association estimated that about43%of cans shipped domestically wererecycledthat year.

What's more, researchpublishedby the National Library of Medicine found that increased urbanization is contributing to more foil waste. In total, the Oman News Agency reported that millions of tons of aluminum waste end up in a landfill instead of being reused.

The NUST team's innovative process is billed as a solution.

"It's a striking example of how waste can be reimagined as a resource, paving the way for a more circular, sustainable future," AL Circlereported.

The articles do not go into great detail on NUST's lab work, but the result is an antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-corrosion substance.

In the medical field, nanoparticles could provide safe coatings for instruments, reducing the risk of infection. Corrosion-resistant particles can be applied to architectural materials or water purification systems. In fields, the antifungal properties can help improve soil health, while on grocers' shelves, food packaging with microbial protection could be developed, asnotedby AL Circle.

The report stated, 'By giving waste a new lease of life, this research paves the way for greener technologies with real-world impact.'

It's part of innovations happening around the world to combat tough-to-recycle materials. Experts in Kenya have discovered an insect that caneat plastic. University of Connecticut researchers are studying how to turncrustacean shellsinto a safer plastic alternative for biodegradable packaging. The United Nationsreportedthatplasticscan take centuries to decompose, turning into harmfulmicroplasticswith human health risks that are still beingstudied.

Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to recycle old clothes and electronics? Giving me back the money Letting me trade for new stuff Making it as easy as possible Keeping my stuff out of landfills Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Recyclingis among the best ways to help.TerracycleandRecycle Checkhave plenty of useful information and solutions, including finding recyclers in your area.

Many glass jars andother containers— pill bottles used to make a sewing kit, for example — can be given a greatSecond Life, keeping them from the landfill.

At NUST, the team has a nano solution for troublesome aluminum foil waste.

The study's findings highlight the transformative potential of repurposing aluminum waste into high-performance nanomaterials,perOman News Agency.

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Researchers discover mind-blowing method to give aluminum foil 'new lease of life': 'Real-world impact'first appeared onThe Cool Down.