Durban researcher offers green alternative to paper industry
DURBAN - A Durban researcher is hoping to introduce a game changer in curbing pollution. Zikhona Tywabi says she’s found a “greener” method for the pulp and paper industries in South Africa.
The PhD chemistry student believes it could help improve the country's ranking, as the world's 12th highest carbon dioxide emitter.
The 27-year-old’s doctorate research project, at the Durban University of Technology, aims to reduce the emission of harmful gases into the environment and she's specifically focussing on the paper and plant industries.
They produce what’s known as biomass - a combination of tree waste as well as pulp. Chemicals are then used to turn the waste into material. South African industries make a hefty profit selling this by-product to textile industries in China.
Tywabi says, “They are made using traditional solvents... like your carbon disulphide and sulphuric acid. And these traditional methods are non green because when you use (them) they get disposed to the environment.”
Instead, Tywabi suggests using ionic liquids - a salt which does not emit gases, and is recyclable. But she's all too aware, that her alternative, will cost industries a lot more.
