Plastic, the main threat to human life on this planet
In answer to the World's growing "eco" needs, a Japanese research institute has invented a new miracle plastic that harmlessly breaks down in sea water. The plastic was developed by RIKEN (Rikagaku Kenkyūsho (理化学研究所) or the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research), a publicly-funded research and development agency.
As reported on RIKEN's own website:
The new plastics are made by combining two ionic monomers which can be metabolized by bacteria, ensuring biodegradability once the plastic is dissolved into its components. Such supramolecular plastics were previously thought to be too weak and unstable, but, according to Aida, the new materials are even stronger than normal plastics and hold together unless exposed to electrolytes like those found in seawater and soil.
As reported on RIKEN's own website:
"Researchers led by Takuzo Aida at the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) have developed a durable plastic that won’t contribute to microplastic pollution in our oceans. The new material is as strong as conventional plastics and biodegradable, but what makes it special is that it breaks down in seawater. The new plastic is therefore expected to help reduce harmful microplastic pollution that accumulates in oceans and soil and eventually enters the food chain. The experimental findings were published Nov 22 in Science.
Scientists have been trying to develop safe and sustainable materials that can replace traditional plastics, which are non-sustainable and harm the environment. While some recyclable and biodegradable plastics exist, one big problem remains. Current biodegradable plastics like PLA often find their way into the ocean where they cannot be degraded because they are water insoluble. As a result, microplastics—plastic bits smaller than 5 mm—are harming aquatic life and finding their way into the food chain, including our own bodies."
The new plastics are made by combining two ionic monomers which can be metabolized by bacteria, ensuring biodegradability once the plastic is dissolved into its components. Such supramolecular plastics were previously thought to be too weak and unstable, but, according to Aida, the new materials are even stronger than normal plastics and hold together unless exposed to electrolytes like those found in seawater and soil.
The new plastics are also non-toxic and non-flammable, meaning that they will not produce any CO2 emissions. They can be reshaped and recycled at temperatures above 120°C like other thermoplastics.
“With this new material, we have created a new family of plastics that are strong, stable, recyclable, can serve multiple functions, and importantly, do not generate microplastics,” says Aida.
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