MaterialsResearchScience

Citric Acid Emerges as Optimal Solution for Extracting Rare Earth Elements from Industrial Waste

Scientists have demonstrated that citric acid outperforms other organic acids in extracting valuable rare earth elements from red mud, an industrial byproduct. Through systematic optimization, researchers achieved leaching efficiencies exceeding 90% using environmentally friendly conditions.

Breakthrough in Sustainable Rare Earth Extraction

Researchers have identified citric acid as the most effective organic acid for extracting rare earth elements (REEs) from red mud, according to recent scientific reports. The investigation, which compared multiple organic acids including ascorbic acid, p-Toluenesulfonic acid, and acetic acid, revealed that citric acid demonstrated superior leaching capabilities due to its enhanced complexing ability with rare earth metals. Sources indicate this finding could pave the way for more environmentally friendly extraction methods for these critical materials.

EngineeringMaterialsSustainability

Recycled Plastic Bottles Transformed into High-Strength Construction Materials in Scientific Breakthrough

Scientists have successfully transformed recycled plastic bottles into high-performance construction materials. The innovative composites demonstrate mechanical properties comparable to commercial virgin materials, opening new possibilities for sustainable building components.

Revolutionary Sustainable Construction Materials

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to transform recycled plastic bottles into high-strength construction materials, according to recent scientific reports. The innovative approach uses 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) from bottle waste flakes combined with alkaline-resistant glass fibres to create composites suitable for structural applications like anchors and connectors in civil engineering.