Lab error leads to new recyclable plastic

A lab mistake made by an IBM researcher led to the discovery of a completely new material that is: 'super-strong, super-light, and super-recyclable.' 

This fortunate event could reform the world of plastic as we know it and improve many products that we currently use.

Jeannette Garcia, the IBM researcher to whom we own this discovery, said that she created the new material when she forgot to add an ingredient to a polymerization reaction.

The result consists in two new materials, one so strong that 'I couldn't even get it out of the flask', and 'I had to break the glass with a hammer,' and one that has a gel-like consistency and can heal itself when it is cut.

The tough polymer, dubbed 'Titan', is about one-third as tough as steel. The second material, called 'Hydro', could be very useful as a 'powerful on contact adhesive' thanks to its gel-like composition.

The perk that comes with the discovery is that both materials are completely recyclable: 'We can begin as scientists to design molecules that are incredibly tough, incredibly durable, but still recyclable.'

The polymers be transformed into more eco-friendly plastic bags or water bottles or even more resistant military drones.