A new plant-based plastic material, developed by American scientists, has been ground into microbeads and tested for its biodegradability using three different tools. Microplastics, which are small and non-biodegradable debris produced by everyday plastic products, are a major environmental concern. A team of experts at the University of California San Diego and materials science company Algenesis have developed a plant-based polymer that is biodegradable, even at the microplastic level, in less than 7 months. This innovative material has the potential to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
To test the biodegradability of the new material, the research team ground it into microscopic particles and used three different measuring tools. The first tool used was a spirometer, which measures the CO2 released by bacteria as they break down compost material. The results showed that the new plant-based polymer matched cellulose, the industry standard for 100% biodegradability, at nearly 100%.
The team also used a water flotation method to track the degradation of the material. Petroleum-based microplastics were recovered almost 100% after 90 and 200 days, indicating that they are not biodegradable. In contrast, algae-based microplastics showed a significant decrease in recovery rate over the same period, indicating that more than two-thirds were biodegradable. Chemical analysis through a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry system confirmed that the polymer had been broken down into real materials, showing its biodegradability.
Algenesis is making progress in applying the new plant-based polymers to various products, partnering with companies such as Trelleborg and RhinoShield to create coated fabrics and cell phone cases. This innovative material not only provides a sustainable solution for product lifecycles and landfills but also helps to reduce the environmental impact of plastics. The future looks promising for the development and application of biodegradable plant-based polymers in various industries.
In summary, AmericaExperts have successfully developed a new type of plant-based plastic that can be ground into microbeads and tested for its biodegradability using three different tools. The results showed that this new material is nearly indestructible debris produced by everyday plastic products has become a major environmental concern.
A team of experts at UC San Diego and Algenesis have developed a plant-based polymer that is biodegradable even at the microplastic level in less than seven months.
To test its biodegradability, three different measuring tools were used: spirometer for CO2 release measurement; water flotation method for tracking degradation; gas chromatography/mass spectrometry system for chemical analysis.
The results showed that algae-based microplastics had significant decreases in recovery rate over petroleum-based ones after 90 days or more.
Algenesis is partnering with Trelleborg and RhinoShield to create coated fabrics and cell phone cases using this innovative material.
The future looks promising for developing sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics using this innovation in various industries.
