Background Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics are some of the most widely used, yet one of the largest plastic polluters globally. PET polymer is the primary component of disposable water bottles, and is a main component in the textile manufacturing industry. These products typically end up in waste dumps and landfills, and are seldom recycled. There...

Background Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a commodity plastic that is used in many types of single-use applications (e.g., to-go containers, food packaging, water bottles). The accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and in the environment is fueling a greater push to advance polymer recycling technology. Chemically recycling plastics to...

Background Nearly 94% of all public roads in the United States are paved with asphalt, and span over 4 million miles in total. However, asphalt pavement degrades when it is exposed to UV rays and oxidation. Current asphalt pavement is also prone to premature cracking and moisture damage, which both further shorten its service life. As the population...