New ideas for solar power. The sun's energy, which hits Earth in the form of photons, can be converted into electricity or heat. Solar collectors come in many different forms and are already used successfully by energy companies and individual homeowners. The two widely known types of solar collectors are solar cells and solar thermal…
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Recyclable Thermoset Plastics
A new kind of plastic to cut landfill waste Plastics are divided into thermoplastics and thermoset plastics. The former can be heated and shaped many times, and are ubiquitous in the modern world, comprising everything from children’s toys to lavatory seats. Because they can be melted down and reshaped, thermoplastics are generally recyclable. Thermoset plastics…
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Fuel Cell Vehicles
Zero-emission cars that run on hydrogen “Fuel cell” vehicles have been long promised, as they potentially offer several major advantages over electric and hydrocarbon-powered vehicles. However, the technology has only now begun to reach the stage where automotive companies are planning to launch them for consumers. Initial prices are likely to be in the range…
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Turning carpet into bikes
A New Zealand company has developed a way to recycle worn-out carpets into children’s bicycles. A bike may not be the obvious product you’d think of if someone asked you what to do with worn-out carpet, but think again. It may have fallen out of fashion in recent times, but carpet remains a wonderful way…
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