backtop


Print E-mail del.icio.us 34 comment(s) - last by Reclaimer77.. on Mar 2 at 7:51 AM


A microscopic view of Zhengming Xu's team's modified asphalt shows a mixture of glass fibers and resin powders which have been recycled from used electronic PCBs.  (Source: American Chemical Society)
Tons of IT trash could be put to a new use: super strong asphalt for more mundane superhighways.

Tech trash – consisting mainly of used computers, cell phones, televisions and other hi-tech gadgets -- is quickly becoming a problem not only in the United States, but all over the world. Each year consumers purchase new toys and most throw out the old ones, either to be disposed of in landfills -- a practice becoming more and more frowned upon and restricted -- or sent to recycling centers where the valuable metals can be separated and the harmful constituents disposed of properly.

Of course, as DailyTech has reported previously, this recycling doesn't always happen the way it should. Hundreds of thousands of tons of poisonous tech trash ends up overseas where workers are paid little to harvest valuable metals while being exposed to harmful chemicals.

As it turns out, China is one of the largest recipients of this unwanted trash. However, a new study outlines the use of several components of the ubiquitous circuit board in a rather unusual place:  paving asphalt. Zhenming Xu and his team of researchers based in China have been experimenting with using the discarded tech trash to strengthen asphalt and have developed a new recycling technique that separates the harmful materials, which often include mercury and cyanide, from the actual useful product, the PCB.

After the separation process occurs, what remains is a fine, non-metallic powder of glass fibers and resin. Xu's group experimented with the powder, adding it to normal asphalt and found that with the right mixture and particle size, the asphalt was not only strengthened dramatically, but much less likely to suffer malleability at high temperatures.

While tech trash continues to pile up, creating health hazards and taking up valuable space in landfills, more pioneers like Xu and his colleagues may pop up with ways to use the discarded electronics in a practical manner. As the consumption of gadgetry increases and costs continue to plummet, electronic trash will become more and more of a problem. Proper recycling and reuse will be the key to fighting the deluge in the future.



Comments     Threshold


This article is over a month old, voting and posting comments is disabled

Good!!
By Moishe on 2/27/2009 9:11:56 AM , Rating: 5
A modern country needs roads and roads are better if they last longer. This is a great use of discarded items.

Win-win as long as recycling the tech trash isn't too expensive.




RE: Good!!
By corduroygt on 2/27/2009 9:25:20 AM , Rating: 5
I agree, less often the roads need repaving, more cost savings and less using of oil-based resources to make and pave the asphalt.
So we have more cheap gas to put in our V8's and lay strips on it!


RE: Good!!
By FITCamaro on 2/27/2009 10:36:53 AM , Rating: 4
Your post almost acts like what you say is a bad thing.


RE: Good!!
By corduroygt on 2/27/2009 11:27:57 AM , Rating: 3
Me being a 06 GTO owner looking to buy a G8 should be enough to clarify that!


RE: Good!!
By 67STANG on 2/27/2009 3:27:20 PM , Rating: 3
Can GTO's or G8's even break traction?


RE: Good!!
By corduroygt on 2/27/2009 6:33:37 PM , Rating: 2
You're kidding right? Check youtube to find your answer...


RE: Good!!
By FITCamaro on 2/27/2009 7:10:06 PM , Rating: 3
Mine sure did at Bradenton a few weeks ago. Ended up running a 13.48 @ 105 on a nearly stock car with stock tires. Buddies car did a 12.99 with just a programmer tune, aftermarket rear shocks and springs, and better tires.


RE: Good!!
By sprockkets on 2/27/2009 8:24:22 PM , Rating: 2
Of course they can. It's just sad that they call it a GTO when that and the G8 are just Holdens and have nothing to do with GM or Pontiac.


RE: Good!!
By xsilver on 2/27/2009 9:01:28 PM , Rating: 2
Its not a total disgrace because the car is quite good.
oh and us aussies did develop the new camaro too.

Is it just sad that the marquee american models are not developed in USA anymore?


RE: Good!!
By Alexvrb on 2/27/2009 9:33:11 PM , Rating: 4
GM is a global company. Is it a bad thing that they're sharing things among their various branches, instead of completely duplicating engineering efforts? They taken some good things from Opel, their European arm, such as the Ecotec engine design. They've got an inexpensive lightweight compact chassis/platform from Daewoo, their Korean branch.

They've taken some tremendous platforms from Holden, their Aussie branch. The GTO/G8/Camaro platforms came from Holden, in the case of the Camaro SS perhaps with a little modification. But don't forget, additional development happens all over, and they share the results. The Holden lineup makes good use of LS and LS-based engines for example. Ecotec engines have seen further modification in the states, which can be again shared. See the LNF vs. its equivalent 2.0L turbo ecotec of Opel fame. That same LNF makes its way to Korea.


RE: Good!!
By Reclaimer77 on 3/1/2009 3:24:02 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
Is it just sad that the marquee american models are not developed in USA anymore?


The Vette and the Mustang are doing pretty good.

But GM totally lost it's way. What killed the F bodies ( Camaro and Trans Am ) was that they became overpriced pigs. Why would anyone drop 45+ grand on an ugly Camaro when for a few thousand more you could get a Corvette ?

V8 power doesn't mean a whole lot if it's sitting in a sloppy handling, overweight, poorly styled rust bucket.

GM realized this and tried to compete with the small car import segment with the Cobalt. Which was a huge bust. A disaster. For some reason American designers equate 'small car' with 'cheap crappy car', and that shows in the Cobalt. Here's a tip, if you are going to attempt to make a Honda Civic beater, make it at least as GOOD as a Civic.

No I don't think it's sad you Aussies are coming up with stuff that actually appeals to buyers. Because for the most part that's something American companies can't seem to do anymore.


RE: Good!!
By Alexvrb on 3/1/2009 11:15:17 PM , Rating: 2
Where are you getting your 45 grand figure? Wait, are those smug emissions coming from your tailpipe? Looks like I found the source! Few Camaros went for anywhere near that price. Even a 2002 Camaro Z28 convertible anniversary edition was sticker priced at $38K. Camaro prices were pretty darn reasonable, in line with the competition. What killed F-body was probably looks more than anything. They needed to have something that appealed to teens and chicks. Instead the 4th gen Camaro had better performing vehicles that eat mustangs for breakfast, but sadly just didn't sell as well.

The 4th gen Camaros handled pretty decent. If you want a soft ride and going sideways scares you, that Camry is calling your name. They had good drivetrain options, the LT and LS V8s are awesome engines. The 3.8L (buick 231) had decent kick for an entry level model, especially compared to most V6 stangs of its era, and lots of performance potential (grand national GNX anyone?).

Heck, Ford still can't seem to put together a high performance V6 today. Even the 2010 base model Mustang is relying on a 4.0L pushing 210HP and 240 ft-lbs. The base 2010 Camaro V6 is pushing 300/270, and its coupled to a 6-speed, not a 5 gear like the base 'stang. Even Chrysler's V6s are more impressive, and they still haven't finished their phoenix engines.


RE: Good!!
By jmunjr on 3/1/2009 1:24:53 AM , Rating: 3
Holden is a subsidiary of GM....???????


RE: Good!!
By Reclaimer77 on 3/1/2009 3:26:38 PM , Rating: 2
No what's sad is they call a Grand Prix with a V8 dropped in it a GTO.

The GTO was an iconic classic. The new GTO is just...meah.


RE: Good!!
By RU482 on 3/1/2009 10:00:11 PM , Rating: 2
ROFL...wasn't there a separate FWD GrandPrix with a V8?
The GTO is not a GP...only thing they share is a brand label


RE: Good!!
By Reclaimer77 on 3/2/2009 7:51:36 AM , Rating: 2
It looks like a GrandPrix, sorry. There's a few tweeks to the rear end and a more 'aggressive' hood, but the basic body style screams 1990's Pontiac.


RE: Good!!
By FITCamaro on 2/27/2009 7:05:42 PM , Rating: 2
You on ls1gto.com?

The G8 is nice but I think the GTOs seats are a lot nicer. If you need 4 doors though a G8 will be fun.


RE: Good!!
By murphyslabrat on 2/27/2009 11:33:09 AM , Rating: 2
no, it's just an ironic picture of the way the abundance mentality works.


RE: Good!!
By Spuke on 2/27/2009 6:33:24 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
abundance mentality
Learn something new everyday. Should I expect to be insulted using this phrase in the future?


RE: Good!!
By omnicronx on 2/27/2009 11:15:55 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
I agree, less often the roads need repaving, more cost savings and less using of oil-based resources to make and pave the asphalt.
I sense some sarcasm, yet your statement makes no sense. The hydrocarbon material used in the creation of asphalt is usually derived from waste material left over from manufacturer of kerosene, gasoline and diesel. In no way will this lead to cheaper gas, if anything it will increase the cost as it could result in lack of uses of this left over material which one would assume is normally sold for profit by the oil companies.


RE: Good!!
By afkrotch on 2/27/2009 2:50:03 PM , Rating: 2
Nah, we'd just burn the left over material in electrical plants. More electricity to run our electronics.


RE: Good!!
By 67STANG on 2/27/2009 3:30:56 PM , Rating: 5
I'm sure paving with recycled Mac hardware costs 3 times as much and causes you to constantly look in your vanity mirror while driving on it.


RE: Good!!
By sinful on 2/27/2009 7:54:04 PM , Rating: 5
quote:
I'm sure paving with recycled Mac hardware costs 3 times as much and causes you to constantly look in your vanity mirror while driving on it.


They'll also claim there are fewer crashes on their road, fewer break-ins, and a smoother ride...

...But only if you drink the Kool-aid from the roadside stand from a guy wearing a black turtleneck..


RE: Good!!
By g35fan on 2/28/2009 4:47:59 PM , Rating: 2
outstanding! lol


RE: Good!!
By protosv on 3/1/2009 12:55:50 PM , Rating: 2
Tremendous!


RE: Good!!
By tastyratz on 2/27/2009 10:01:51 AM , Rating: 5
I agree.
I wonder how this compares in colder temperatures as well. I would love a pavement that's less likely to create potholes.

Also I do question the safety however since it uses fiberglass dust if it is not bound completely to the asphalt - Fiberglass dust can be pretty nasty stuff to breath in.


RE: Good!!
By Screwballl on 2/27/2009 10:27:22 AM , Rating: 2
True but in many colder areas (like my home state of SD), they use concrete instead of blacktop/pavement as it resists the larger temperature swings much better. Down south here (in FL) they use the blacktop for almost everything except curbs and sidewalks. In this case is not good as the softer sand underneath means simply driving down the road gives your suspension a good workout, and it is common to hear or see people that replace their shocks every 20-30,000 miles because of it.

If this does strengthen it, then I would hope they bring the same methods to the US and fast. Some of the lower speed side roads (35mph and lower) sometimes blend in shredded oyster and sea shells to help strengthen it. The downside of this is after a few years of wear, when it rains, those roads are as slick as a snow covered road.


RE: Good!!
By FITCamaro on 2/27/2009 10:40:37 AM , Rating: 2
Never had a problem with my shocks wearing out prematurely in Florida....

But I do hate blacktop. It wears out in just a few years requiring repaving of the road again. And it gets insanely hot in the summer months. It also can't stand up to any real kind of load. If you have a driveway with black top it easy crushes when you jack up your car. So you either have to put something under the jack or have huge dents in your driveway.


RE: Good!!
By TheSpaniard on 2/27/2009 11:03:16 AM , Rating: 2
never had a problem with pot holes or major road imperfections in S florida... now that I am in Iowa the concrete slabs never quite match up resulting in my shocks getting a HELL of a workout...


RE: Good!!
By ekv on 2/27/2009 8:12:41 PM , Rating: 2
There's a highway in So. Cal. that was concrete and got covered with asphalt a couple years ago. I was bummed, since that concrete has been there longer than I've been alive (I hear). However, with the trucks that run on the highway they just beat the k-rap out of it. Now with the asphalt over the top, even after a couple years it's pretty smooth. Fast lane ... you just glide.

Asphalt with concrete base works well. It'd be nice if Cal. Div. of Highways would start grinding up old, used tires and throw that into the mix. I've heard there are some positives to that as well....


RE: Good!!
By Seemonkeyscanfly on 2/27/2009 11:43:19 AM , Rating: 2
Wow now those are tech savvy roads. Brings new meaning to superhighway, should we start calling them smartways? In time your driveway may just actually have drives in it.


RE: Good!!
By Bruneauinfo on 2/27/2009 1:35:58 PM , Rating: 2
and as long as the computer components are being stripped properly of harmful substances. looks like a situation where one could save even more money by cutting corners.


Interesting.
By nidomus on 2/28/2009 6:09:04 AM , Rating: 3
Being that I work in the paving field, I'm wondering if this will only be applicable to high traffic areas, such as higher grade asphalts are. In a low traffic area, blacktop made with a higher grade asphalt becomes brittle and breaks up easier than if it were placed in a high traffic area. A concept many engineers, architects, and construction managers do not understand. Also, higher grade asphalt costs significantly more than the lower grade stuff.




<3
By HostileEffect on 2/28/2009 12:01:46 PM , Rating: 2
I <3 my boxes too much to have them turned into pavement, no matter how old.




"Spreading the rumors, it's very easy because the people who write about Apple want that story, and you can claim its credible because you spoke to someone at Apple." -- Investment guru Jim Cramer

DailyTech Poll
Which web browser do you use on your primary personal machine? 






44 Comments












botimage
Copyright 2009 DailyTech LLC. - RSS Feed | Advertise | About Us | Ethics | FAQ | Terms, Conditions & Privacy Information | Kristopher Kubicki