A city-based engineer has developed a process that produces fine and flexible low-cost fibre from polystyrene and thermocol waste. The fibre thus produced can be used as a thermal insulator, packing material, raw material for soft toys, art and crafts and so on.
The engineer, Mr Subrata Dutta, who works for a private firm, said, “There is some awareness about the harm caused by plastic, but awareness about (the ill-effects) of thermocol or packing material is still limited. This polystyrene recycle process to prevent soil pollution from uncontrolled disposal of thermocol (polystyrene) uses a simple technology.”
Mr Dutta from Institute of Engineering and Mana-gement is also credited with other innovations for practical use such as a virtual inverter and mini refrigerator.
Mr Dutta says the fibre extraction process requires very little power as the heat required is less than that of boiling water. The entire process can be operated using electrical power, kerosene or appropriate solar heater.
The fibre produced is a crude replacement for jute and glass wool, but it has better thermal insulation properties and is lighter. Though the fibre is not as strong as jute and is difficult to use in weaving, it is cheaper and easier to manufacture.
Recycling it in the way Mr Dutta has demonstrated turns it into a green product that does not harm the environment.
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