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Scientists turn waste cooking oil into superglue

Scientists have turned cooking oil into glue
Scientists have turned cooking oil into glue (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
  • Scientists have developed a method to transform discarded cooking oil waste into recyclable plastic and a superglue.
  • This innovation provides a sustainable alternative for creating new household materials, reducing reliance on fossil fuels for plastic production.
  • The new materials chemically and physically mimic polyethylene (polythene), a widely used plastic, by converting fatty acid chains from cooking oil into polymer chains.
  • The superglue created through this process demonstrated exceptional strength, capable of holding up to 123kg and even towing a car.
  • Researchers suggest this adhesive is ideal for various applications, including packaging, automotive components, medical devices, and electronics, aligning with circular economy principles.
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