South Middlesex Times

The recycled plastic lumber developed by Rutgers Professor Thomas Nosker is now widely used globally in various structures, including bridges and railway ties. This innovative material, made from recycled plastics like milk containers and coffee cups, is known for its strength and non-toxicity. In the United States alone, approximately 1.5 million railway ties have been produced using this material, preventing around 300 million pounds of plastics from polluting landfills and marine environments.

Nosker has observed his invention being utilized worldwide, even spotting it during a vacation in the Galapagos Islands. "I travel a lot and it's in every country," he remarked about the widespread use of recycled plastic lumber.

In recognition of his contributions to engineering and sustainability, Nosker has been named a 2024 National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellow. This honor is awarded to academic inventors who have demonstrated innovation with significant societal impact. Nosker expressed pride in receiving such recognition: "Getting recognized by any national academy is an honor."

Nosker's achievement marks him as the 13th Rutgers instructor to receive this distinction. He will be formally inducted at a ceremony scheduled for June in Atlanta. Paul Sanberg, president of the NAI, praised this year's class of Fellows for their real-world problem-solving capabilities and lasting societal contributions.

Nosker has been involved in plastics research since the 1980s and holds about 82 patents or pending patents in the United States. His current work focuses on developing lightweight yet strong plastic composites for advanced transportation uses like tanks and aircraft.

His recent innovation involves using graphene as a stiffening agent in polymers to create these composites. "It's probably the most important thing I've done," said Nosker about his method of separating graphite layers within molten polymers.

The development of recycled plastic lumber has created jobs and had social impacts according to Nosker. However, he believes that his work with graphite exfoliation could enhance America's military and industrial capabilities through more efficient materials.

Nosker's journey began in Ohio but took shape when he moved to New Jersey after studying engineering at Georgia Tech. At Rutgers University, where he pursued doctoral studies, he met his wife and settled down to raise their family while advancing his career as an inventor.

"I've had a miraculous life," Nosker reflected on his achievements that have gained global reach.