When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
Historically, the U.S. hasn't been the top market for plastics manufacturers. It hasn't even been close – about 10 years ago, the U.S. was one of the highest-cost plastics producers in the world, according to a recent report from the American Energy Council. But now the tables have turned, due in large part to a surplus of inexpensive natural gas trapped in shale deposits.
Most plastic resins are found in fossil fuels like natural gas and oil. A small but significant number of producers are turning to bio-based resins, derived from algae or plant materials, but that pales in comparison to the amount of plastic produced from oil and gas. In Europe and Asia, manufacturers predominantly rely on oil-based feedstock to create plastics. The U.S. has struggled to keep up until technological advancements allow for the extraction of massive quantities of natural gas.
"The U.S. is positioned to be one of the chief producers of natural gas-derived plastics."
"Today, America is one of the most attractive places in the world to invest in plastics manufacturing," Steve Russell, the AEC's vice president of plastics, said in a statement. "Even after recent declines in oil prices, our nation has a decisive edge."
Plastics from shale gas reinvigorate US industry
The implications of this newfound capability are significant, to the extent of hundreds of billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of new jobs. Those are numbers that will likely continue to grow as the industry gains momentum.
The implications of this newfound capability are significant, to the extent of hundreds of billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of new jobs. Those are numbers that will likely continue to grow as the industry gains momentum.
The report, however, addresses other important impacts of this newfound growth. Chemicals like ethylene and propylene are extremely common and highly sought after ingredients for a variety of plastic resins. Polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride have hundreds of uses all over the world, and the U.S. is positioned to be one of the chief producers.
"In 2014, the U.S. produced nearly 25 million metric tons of ethylene, which is expected to grow in the years to come," the report stated. "The reason is simple: because of shale gas, it is more cost effective to produce ethylene in U.S. than just about anywhere else in the world."
As the role of these manufacturers increases, so too must that of third-party analytical testing labs. These facilities ensure that the resins and plastics produced are manufactured to be safe for end use by consumers and organizations.
Methane polymer could have drastic environmental benefits
Another plastic derived from natural gas has the potential to reduce the impacts of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide. In an era defined by sustainable initiatives and pushback against burning fossil fuels, such a discovery would create a massive windfall. That's the hope of Craig Criddle, Stanford professor of civil and environmental engineering.
Another plastic derived from natural gas has the potential to reduce the impacts of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide. In an era defined by sustainable initiatives and pushback against burning fossil fuels, such a discovery would create a massive windfall. That's the hope of Craig Criddle, Stanford professor of civil and environmental engineering.
According to Stanford Engineering, Criddle wants to turn methane into plastic, thereby eliminating its potency as a greenhouse gas. Additionally, with some careful development, these plastics won't leak carbon into the atmosphere as they degrade. The trick lies with methane-consuming microorganisms – they eat methane and yield polyhydroxybutyrate, a useful polyester.
"Just as we've found aerobic bacteria that convert methane to PHB, there are anaerobic microorganisms that convert PHB back to methane," Criddle told Stanford Engineering. "We can create a cradle-to-cradle cycle – some microbes produce polymer from methane, and some produce methane from used and discarded products made from PHB. So the carbon is recycled at a molecular scale."
Carbon dioxide might be the most commonly hated greenhouse gas, but methane is around 21 times more heat-retentive, making it the more dangerous greenhouse gas between the two. The project is years from fruition, but not because the science and opportunities aren't there.
"In northern California alone," Criddle explained, "there are 20 to 30 landfills and wastewater treatment plants that could each produce up to 2.5 million pounds of polymer a year."
The setback is a corporate and financial one – Criddle needs investors to put their money into a long-term project. Thankfully, the ball is already rolling. Criddle and his colleagues are receiving interest from organizations across the globe, like landfills and water treatment plants, where methane is common. This technique could be a critical element in turning that harmful byproduct into a safe and useful material.
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