What do Swiss timepieces and sailing rigging systems have in common with orthopedic braces? More than you might think. The engineers at Osteoid drew inspiration from these precision mechanical systems to create Bracesys, a revolutionary approach to fracture immobilization that challenges everything we thought we knew about medical casts. Traditional plaster casts have remained largely
  • CompactFlaxEnglish
    41·
    16 days ago

    Anyone got data on the plastic content and recyclability of Kevlar?

    • hemko@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      6·
      15 days ago

      Quick online search found an article about the environmental impact of kevlar

      https://shunwaste.com/article/how-does-kevlar-affect-the-environment

      Kevlar, a lightweight and incredibly strong synthetic fiber widely used in bulletproof vests, aerospace, and automotive industries, has significant environmental implications. Its production involves the use of harsh chemicals and energy-intensive processes, contributing to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, Kevlar is non-biodegradable, leading to long-term waste management challenges when discarded. While it offers durability and reduces the need for frequent replacements in certain applications, its lifecycle—from raw material extraction to disposal—raises concerns about resource depletion and ecological impact. Understanding these effects is crucial for developing sustainable alternatives and mitigating its environmental footprint.

    • chgxvjh [he/him, comrade/them]@hexbear.netEnglish
      3·
      15 days ago

      This stuff isn’t getting recycled, we barely manage recycling PET bottles, a pretty pure material and ubiquitous material, and that’s mostly down cycled to polyester fiber which isn’t really recycled unless you count burning trash as recycling.

      Maybe there is some opportunity for reuse as claimed in the article.