You’ve probably seen enough documentaries, videos, and read articles to know that microplastics is one of the biggest pollutants of our oceans and of the earth in general. They last for decades, sometimes even centuries before they fully decompose. Hence, eco-friendly advocates have been trying for years to get people to use less single use plastics but we still have not made significant progress in that area. Scientists have also been hard at work to create plastic materials that are better for mother earth so that eventually we can phase out the “bad plastic”.
Designer: RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS), the University of Tokyo, and Eindhoven University of Technology
Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS), in collaboration with the University of Tokyo and Eindhoven University of Technology, are developing a kind of recyclable plastic that will be able to fully dissolve when submerged in seawater over a certain period of time. They use supramolecular plastics or polymers by mixing sodium hexametasphosphate, which is normally used as a food additive, and guanidinium ion-based monomers. Because bacteria can break down these materials, they become dissolvable eventually.
Using this kind of recyclable plastic means that the accumulation of harmful microplastics in the oceans and the food chain will be lessened. The plastic also degrades in soil within 10 days so it can also act as a fertilizer. But lest we think that this kind of plastic is not durable, it is reportedly as strong as conventional plastics since the cross-linked salt bridges from the monomers provide it with strength and flexibility. They can also be reshaped at temperatures above 120°C so it adds to its versatility and the guanidinuum sulfates can be used to tailor the plastic’s hardness and tensile strength for specific applications.
This kind of plastic is also safe for the environment and the users as well so it can be used in various food applications like water bottles, food container, etc. It can also be used for medical tools since the material is suitable for 3D printing. This innovative plastic, marks a significant leap forward in our fight against plastic pollution. By combining biodegradability with durability and recyclability, researchers have created a material that offers a genuine alternative to traditional plastics. While widespread adoption and further research are crucial, this breakthrough offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that a future with less plastic waste and healthier oceans is within reach. It’s a testament to the power of scientific innovation to address pressing environmental challenges, and a reminder that sustainable solutions are possible when science and collaboration converge.
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