Scientists Develop Eco-Friendly Method to Break Down and Reuse Teflon Plastic
A new “mechanochemical” process allows the recycling of Teflon by grinding it with sodium metal at room temperature. This solvent-free reaction breaks down Teflon’s carbon-fluorine bonds, producing harmless carbon and sodium fluoride instead of toxic PFAS. The sodium fluoride can be reused in fluorine-based products, making this approach a breakthrough for sustainable plastic recycling and circular fluorine chemistry.
