Scientists find way to make silicone materials infinitely reusable

By Knowridge -April 27, 2025

A team of researchers from France’s CNRS (National Centre for Scientific Research) has developed a groundbreaking method for recycling silicone waste—offering a new way to reduce environmental damage and promote truly sustainable material use.

Their discovery, published in the journal Science, introduces the first universal chemical recycling process for silicones that could allow these materials to be reused endlessly without any loss in quality.

Silicones are used in a wide range of everyday products, from bathroom caulk and adhesives to gels, sealants, and cosmetics.

Until now, most silicone waste has either been discarded or recycled through mechanical processes, which often degrade the material. But the CNRS team’s method goes far deeper—breaking down used silicones into their basic chemical building blocks, known as chlorosilanes, which are crucial for making new silicones.

This return to a pure form means that no new raw materials are needed to start the silicone production cycle again.

More:
https://knowridge.com/2025/04/scientists-find-way-to-make-silicone-materials-infinitely-reusable/