New ultralight material offers many uses for plastic waste, researchers say

FILE PHOTO: An NUS researcher explains how Aerogel can be enhanced with various chemicals at NUS's Department of Mechanical Engineering in Singapore November 23, 2018. REUTERS/Yiming Woo

SINGAPORE: Researchers in Singapore are seeking a patent for a new sound-proof and heat-resistant material made from recycled plastic bottles they say could help reduce plastic waste dumped in oceans and clogging landfills. 

The National University of Singapore team said it had found a way to convert bottles made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into aerogels that have many potential uses – from insulation and fire safety to cleaning up oil spills.