A New Renewable: Sustainable Silicone

Wouldn't it be great if you could endlessly recycle an enormously useful resource, do it for less money than it takes to make it brand new, keep tons of waste out of landfills, and reduce air pollution all at the same time? Well, yes. Yes it would be. That's why we're talking to a Chemistry Professor at Bowling Green State University, who is pretty sure he's got that all figured out, with a new, patent-pending, room temperature recycling process. From medical implants, to the clear stuff we use to seal cracks around our kitchen sinks; silicone is pretty much everywhere.Other common uses include lubricants, hydraulic fluids, O-Rings, heat-resistant seals, flexible molds, makeup, and even food additives. So, being able to recycle it efficiently and inexpensively would be a real bonus for all kinds of industries, and a welcome relief for communities trying to manage ever-expanding landfills. Listen now, as we explore the topic with Bowling Green State University Associate Professor of Chemistry and Photochemical Sciences , Dr. Joseph Furgal.