Japanese scientists create ocean-decomposing plastic without microplastics.

According to ТСН: Japanese researchers have developed a new type of plastic that can completely decompose in the ocean without generating microplastics. The development was carried out by a team led by Takuzo Aida.

The study was published in the journal American Chemical Society.

This material is based on plant cellulose, which holds the title of the most abundant organic compound on the planet. The scientists used its derivative, carboxymethylcellulose, combining it with another polymer that has similar properties. The first samples of the plastic decomposed quickly in the environment but had a significant drawback: they were too hard and brittle, resembling glass.

Flexibility Issue

To overcome this problem, the team began searching for a component that could provide the material with flexibility without sacrificing strength. Experiments revealed that choline chloride, an organic salt permitted in the food industry, could be the solution. Its addition made the plastic elastic, and the degree of stretching can be adjusted: the material can elongate up to 130% of its original length.

New Material

The new plastic, named CMCSP, matches traditional petroleum-based plastic in strength, and its mechanical properties can be tailored for specific tasks without losing other characteristics. According to the authors, this technology is an important step in the fight against plastic pollution in the oceans and the planet as a whole.

It should be noted that researchers also identified specific dates when the Earth will begin to lose its glaciers en masse, hinting at a challenging future for our planet without ice.