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(单词翻译:双击或拖选)
This is Scientific American — 60-Second Science. I'm Christopher Intagliata.
Given much thought to the afterlife of your Christmas tree? Your city might recycle it into compost or mulch. Or it might rot in a landfill, releasing methane1, a potent2 greenhouse gas. But seen through the eyes of a chemical engineer?
"I thought, ok, this could be a good resource." Cynthia Kartey of the University of Sheffield. She says the needles are 85 percent lignocellulose — a tough woody material. But using heat and cheap solvents3, Kartey says she can transform pine needles into a liquid product called "bio-oil," which contains glucose4, acetic5 acid, and phenols. Useful stuff.
"Glucose is used as sweetener in the food industry. Acetic acid is mainly used for the manufacture of paint and adhesives6. It is also used for the manufacture of vinegar. So basically the vinegar you use in your home is diluted7 acetic acid. And phenol is used in the manufacture of certain medicines."
Breaking down pine needles also yields a solid byproduct called "bio-char," which Kartey says can be used to drive other chemical reactions. And, although Christmas trees are only available seasonally8, she says the same techniques could be used year-round on other agricultural waste, like corn cobs and sugar cane9 stalks. The goal, she says, is ultimately zero waste.
"It would be an interesting way to decorate your house for Christmas and also get some paint from acetic acid, you could use again to paint your house. To decorate your house once Christmas is over."
Which could give a whole new meaning to 'deck the halls.'
Thanks for listening for Scientific American — 60-Second Science. I'm Christopher Intagliata.
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1
methane
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n.甲烷,沼气 | |
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2
potent
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adj.强有力的,有权势的;有效力的 | |
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3
solvents
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溶解的,溶剂 | |
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4
glucose
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n.葡萄糖 | |
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acetic
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adj.酸的 | |
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adhesives
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黏合剂( adhesive的名词复数 ) | |
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7
diluted
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无力的,冲淡的 | |
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seasonally
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cane
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n.手杖,细长的茎,藤条;v.以杖击,以藤编制的 | |
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