Rapid method converts waste glass into silicon carbide nanowires, used to strengthen plastics, cement, and other composites

https://cen.acs.org/environment/recycling/silicon-carbide-nanowires-waste-glass/104/web/2026/03

"fluorine-assisted flash Joule heating: gtrind glass, carbon black, sodium fluoride, pack into tube, apply strong electric current, heat to 2,000°C (in seconds), carbon reduces silica, producing silicon carbide nanowires... fluorine keeps iron particles active as catalysts enabling growth of wire-shaped nanostructures instead of particles... up to 96% lower energy/ emissions, $0.90/ kg (99% cheaper}... plastic/ cement reinforcement, electronic/ energy devices... also: boron/ titanium/ niobium carbide nanowires"