From Coal to Cash: Can Plastic Currency Notes Really Be Made from Coal? Here's the Science Behind It
When we think of coal, the first image that comes to mind is usually a black rock used in power plants or industries. It has been a major source of energy for decades, but today coal is also associated with pollution and climate change. Surprisingly, scientists and engineers have found another fascinating use for coal—helping produce the plastic used to manufacture durable currency notes. It may sound unbelievable, but the plastic used in many modern banknotes can be traced back to products derived from coal and other fossil fuels. While the process is complex, the science behind it is simple enough to understand. The Rise of Plastic Currency Notes For many years, countries around the world printed currency on paper made primarily from cotton fibers. These notes served their purpose well but had several disadvantages. They wore out quickly, absorbed moisture, became dirty, and were easier to counterfeit. To solve these problems, several countries introduced polymer or plastic banknotes...