Upcycling Polyethylene Waste

Goal and Objective:

NASA aims to develop innovative recycling designs that: Reduce resource consumption, eliminate unusable outputs, minimize the mass and volume of recycling hardware

2,500 kg of waste generated by 4 astronauts during a yearlong mission. Trash poses safety risks from biological hazards, physical hazards

Description of Waste and Recycling Target: Packaging & Gloves

Materials to be recycled include: Air cushions & bubble, reclosable bags, anti-static bubble

Class
Material Science

Year
Fall 2024

Abstract:

Effective waste management is critical for the sustainability of long-term space missions. This project proposes an innovative approach to upcycling polyethylene (PE) waste into valuable byproducts through an integration of thermal, chemical, and photodegradation methods using a centrifuge-based system. The process transforms PE into hydrocarbons and organic acids, which can be repurposed for synthesizing polymers, additives for fuel, and raw materials for bioplastics. This approach reduces dependence on Earth resupply missions, enhances resource efficiency, and addresses safety and sustainability challenges. The proposed methodology leverages chemical catalysts such as Platinum on Alumina and Strontium Titanate, enabling high-yield conversions under low-gravity conditions. By closing the loop on material reuse in space, this technology represents a significant advancement over traditional waste recycling methods.

Challenges and Conclusion:

Potential Challenges:

  1. A centrifuge of the desired size consumes between 100-300 Watts of power

  2. The crew will face logistical challenges with replenishing chemical solution from Earth

  3. Processing will create methane and CO2 byproducts

Conclusion:

Result: Efficiently produces hydrocarbons and organic acids.

Benefits: High conversion & low-gravity compatibility

Effects: 

  • Streamlines waste management

  • Reduces reliance on Earth-based resupply

Proposed Next Steps for Research: 

  • Explore scalability.

  • Applications with other materials?

  • Automate and optimize processes

Previous
Previous

Jewelry Stand