
via University of Sussex
Industry-strength adhesive means products can be dismantled and recycled, rather than thrown into landfill
Researchers at the University of Sussex have developed a glue which can unstick when placed in a magnetic field, meaning products otherwise destined for landfill, could now be dismantled and recycled at the end of their life.
Currently, items like mobile phones, microwaves and car dashboards are assembled using adhesives. It is a quick and relatively cheap way to make products but, due to problems dismantling the various materials for different recycling methods, most of these products will be destined for landfill.
However, Dr Barnaby Greenland, Lecturer in Medicinal Chemistry, working in conjunction with Stanelco RF Technologies Ltd and Prof Wayne Hayes at the University of Reading, may have found a solution.
In a new research paper, published by the European Polymer Journal, Dr Greenland and the team describe a new type of adhesive which contains tiny particles of metal. When passed through an alternating electromagnetic field, the glue melts and products simply fall apart.
The adhesive works with plastic, wood, glass and metal and in terms of strength, is comparable to those currently used in industry.
Dr Greenland said: “In as little as 30 seconds, we can unstick items using a relatively weak magnetic field.
“A power source connected to an inductor creates the electro-magnetic field which produces heat in the metal particles within the glue and effectively melts it so that the various materials that were previously held together are separated.
“There’s little glue residue left over – although this wouldn’t be a problem for metal objects which are melted down for recycling anyway.
“Using these specific levels of magnetic field to heat is also incredibly safe. The energy only heats the metal specks in the glue, so we could place our bare hands in the field and feel absolutely no heat at all.”
In principle, the formula could be applied to any thermal adhesive making it an innovation which could be incorporated into industry relatively easily.
Dr Greenland said: “In essence, we could have a big conveyor belt of products going through a magnetic field where they enter fully assembled, and come out the other end completely dismantled.
“We’re really excited because the glue has provided a simple and green solution to quite a large problem. At the moment, glued products can often only be dismantled using chemicals so not only are we saving items from going to landfill, but we’re also reducing the need to use potentially harmful substances when it comes to getting rid of products.”
The team have also demonstrated that this heating technique can be used to stick items together, and as the project continues, efforts will focus on investigating this process further.
Learn more: Adhesive which debonds in magnetic field could reduce landfill waste
The Latest on: Thermal magnetic adhesive
[google_news title=”” keyword=”thermal magnetic adhesive” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Thermal magnetic adhesive
- Men's Thermal Underwearon November 28, 2023 at 9:55 am
Register to receive exclusive offers tailored to you, plus rewards and promotions before anyone else. Just select ‘YES’ during step 3 on the next page and never miss a thing.
- Structural, Thermal and Magnetic Characterization of Polycrystalline Ni-Mn-Ga Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloyson November 18, 2023 at 2:49 pm
This paper investigated the structural, thermal and magnetic characterization of polycrystalline Ni-Mn-Ga alloys for validation of the production process. The polycrystalline ingots were produced by ...
- Tensile bond strength of adhesive mortars with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and vinyl acetate-ethylene polymers after thermal storageon October 26, 2023 at 10:39 pm
The aim of this article was to evaluate the influence of cement and polymer contents on the tensile bond strength of adhesive mortars after thermal storage. Ceramic tiling system specimens were ...
- Erfurt Wallrock Ready mixed Thermal liner Adhesive 10kgon September 6, 2023 at 7:24 am
This Wallrock thermal liner adhesive is a high strength water based adhesive specially formulated for Wallrock Thermally efficient wallpapers, sound insulation and polystyrene insulation products. The ...
- 2.5m Magnetic Tape Self Adhesive, 12mm x 2.3mm Adhesive Magnetic Strips Self Adhesive, Magnet Strips Self Adhesive Magnetic Stripon March 9, 2023 at 4:15 pm
This item is not available at this time. Easy to Cut: Our magnetic tape self adhesive is easy to cut into the size you need with regular scissors. Strong Adhesion: The adhesive magnetic strips self ...
- Leviton 2-Pole 40A 120/240V Thermal Magnetic Plug-on Circuit Breakeron February 23, 2023 at 9:11 am
Leviton circuit breakers provide overload and short circuit protection, and feature a universal connection design. All live and neutral wires have terminations across the panel, not the circuit ...
- Magnetic Plate Adhesive Base for Phone Mounton February 17, 2023 at 6:08 pm
Easily upgrade your existing device to the clean and convenient magnetic mounting system of MagSafe with the Magnetic Plate Adhesive Base for Phone Mount. The Magnetic Plate adds MagSafe compatibility ...
via Bing News