Polymer alchemy

RECYCLING: A UCD researcher will present a potentially world-leading plastic recycling technology to a conference of clean technology innovators and over 3,000 industry executives in Copenhagen this month.

Dr Kevin O'Connor will be showcasing a technology that recycles commonly used plastics into a high-grade virgin polymer plastic material, which will also be biodegradeable.

The material can be used in packaging and biomedical applications.

O'Connor's technology helps to reduce plastic waste and helps to turn it into an asset. Doing so gives manufacturers an opportunity to reduce the raw material cost of various types of plastic, which have risen recently in line with the price of oil.

Researchers from more than 125 other leading universities around the world will also be converging on the Danish capital for the inaugural Copenmind conference. Their innovations will be scrutinised by potential investors and industry giants such as Boeing, Siemens and Toyota.

© 2008 The Irish Times