A new study finds that e-waste could be used to create a strong, protective coatings for steel.

According to the United Nations, people generated 44.7 million metric tons of e-waste globally in 2016, and this number is expected to grow to 52.2 million metric tons by 2021.

Recycling is a complex process and when it comes to e-waste there are many different types of materials that cannot be easily separated.

The scientists found the micron-thick hybrid layer increased the surface hardness of the steel by approximately 125 percent.  

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