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Category: Environment

Discovery Uses Polyurethane to Recycle Coal Waste

Researchers at North Carolina A&T State University made an incredible breakthrough that could reduce one of the largest types of waste generated in America: coal ash, which is the collective residue that remains after burning coal to create energy.

To address this waste management issue, the scientists discovered a way to encapsulate coal ash in polyurethane, which can then be recycled and used in other applications!  By combining the waste with polyurethane, the resulting product can then be made into building materials such as interior molding or stored as large, above-ground blocks for future use. In this recycled form, the repurposed coal ash can provide additional value instead of being landfilled.

Polyurethane’s versatility may allow for more opportunities to eliminate waste and make the earth a greener place!