A new recycling method has been developed that allows durable plastics to be broken down without creating large amounts of waste. Scientists from The University of Texas at Austin and Sandia National Laboratories have devised a way to dissolve a specific type of plastic called poly(dicyclopentadiene), or pDCPD. This material is commonly used in products like car bumpers, construction equipment, and chemical storage tanks. The new technique uses less energy and produces less waste compared to traditional methods like incineration, and it allows for the full recovery of valuable fibers used in the plastic. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances. Previously, pDCPD-based products were difficult to recycle and were often burned. Incineration requires a lot of energy, produces harmful byproducts, and damages the reinforcing fibers inside the plastic. Zak Page, an associate professor of chemistry at UT and lead author of the study, said the new method could encourage more use of pDCPD because of its strength, lightness, and durability. This could lead to longer product lifespans and more sustainable recycling. To recycle pDCPD, the researchers placed the plastic in a solution containing a non-toxic solvent and a catalyst made of ruthenium, a rare metal. The object was then stirred for hours or even days, depending on its size. The plastic gradually dissolves, leaving behind a powder that can be used to make new plastics. Any reinforcing fibers, such as carbon or glass, that were part of the original product can also be recovered in excellent condition and reused in new materials. One major question remaining is whether the ruthenium catalyst can be recovered and reused, which would make the process more sustainable and cost-effective. The breakthrough came from an unexpected experiment. While working on a method to make pDCPD plastics more durable, UT Austin graduate student Keldy Mason exposed the material to a solvent and catalyst solution. Instead of making the plastic stronger, the process caused it to break down and dissolve. pDCPD has been around for a long time, and it was previously thought to be too stable to be broken down easily. This new method could lead to a circular life cycle for pDCPD, where the material is used, recycled, and reused. This is similar to recent advances in recycling other types of plastics, such as those used in water bottles and plastic bags. Researchers hope this development will contribute to more sustainable practices in manufacturing and recycling.