Chemists develop way to efficiently recycle nylon carpets

A group of chemists from Northwestern University in the United States have created a catalyst that is non-toxic and efficient at breaking down complex plastic polymers within commercial carpets.

Commercial nylon carpets are popular for their longevity and ease of maintenance, however, when reaching the end of their lifespan, their primary material Nylon-6 is too resilient and difficult to break down. This makes recycling these carpets an arduous task. Current methods utilized to break down Nylon-6 require either high temperatures or produce hazardous waste.

The newly developed catalyst by Northwestern scientists can efficiently decompose Nylon-6 in just a few minutes without producing any toxic byproducts or necessitating high temperature processing.

Fishing nets and some clothing items also contain this Nylon-6 polymer. The swift method using this catalyst could prevent such items from being dumped into landfills, burnt or polluting the oceans.

Professor Tobin Marks, part of the chemistry team behind this discovery, has stated that their catalyst can break down Nylon-6 even when it is surrounded by other polymer materials. This reduces human labour and the need to separate Nylon-6 during the recycling process.

The team has filed a patent for the catalyst, with hopes of finding industrial partners who will aid in its large-scale implementation.

Nylon-based carpeting remains popular as commercial flooring in North Wales. Carpets installed now are expected to last many years before requiring replacement. It is hoped that more effective methods for recycling them will emerge before the end of the carpets' life.