Japanese researchers have developed a revolutionary material that is not only an alternative to traditional plastic but is also significantly more sustainable than existing biodegradable materials. A team from the RIKEN Centre for Emergent Matter Science explains that this material is a type of plastic that completely decomposes in seawater within a few hours, while in soil, it breaks down in about ten days.
What sets this plastic apart from conventional ones is what remains after its decomposition. Traditional plastic, even when it breaks down into microplastics, persists in nature for hundreds of years and poses a serious threat to the environment. Microplastics can be extremely hazardous to living organisms.
On the other hand, research on this innovative plastic has shown that, upon decomposition in soil, it releases phosphorus and nitrogen—elements that act as natural fertilizers for plants. The non-toxic impact of this material can be attributed to the fact that it is made from compounds commonly used as food additives.
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Traditional plastics decompose slowly because they consist of large polymer chains that are difficult to separate. In contrast, this innovative plastic utilizes supramolecules, which are composed of molecules connected by weak bonds. Thanks to this structure, these bonds break easily, allowing the plastic to quickly return to its basic form—a monomer that can be reused.
During production, the team combined two simple monomers: sodium hexametaphosphate, which is used in food additives and fertilizers, and guanidinium sulfate, which can be easily obtained from natural raw materials. When these two monomers are mixed in water at room temperature, they form two layers—a liquid and a gel-like layer. By drying the gel, a glassy, transparent plastic is obtained. Although the plastic is resistant to fire and heat, it decomposes back into monomers within just a few hours when it comes into contact with salt water.
However, if greater durability in marine conditions is required, it is possible to coat the plastic with an environmentally friendly waterproof film to extend its lifespan.
Katarina Vuinac
