Recently, researchers have developed a type of biodegradable plastic that is free from microplastics. It retains durable properties while being fully recyclable.
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. Despite efforts to recycle or responsibly manage waste, massive landfills in the oceans continue to grow, and microplastics are increasingly infiltrating our food, bottled water, and even the air we breathe.
Recently, researchers developed a type of biodegradable plastic that is free from microplastics. It maintains durable properties and can be fully recycled.
Microplastics in the ocean (Photo: dottedyeti/Adobe).
This new material is called alkyl SP2, resulting from intelligent chemical experimentation. Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science created it by linking two monomers with reversible salt bridges.
Unlike many other biodegradable plastics that cannot decompose in saline environments, alkyl SP2 can completely degrade within a few hours in seawater.
When buried in the ground, it takes only 10 days to decompose, leaving behind nutrients for the soil such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Moreover, this plastic does not contain microplastics, so it leaves no toxins behind.
A significant advantage of alkyl SP2 is its flexibility and environmental safety. Similar to conventional plastics, it can be reshaped at temperatures above 120 degrees Celsius to meet various usage needs.
Its components are non-toxic and derived from sources other than crude oil, making it a greener option compared to conventional plastics. Depending on usage requirements, manufacturers can adjust the chemical structure of this material to achieve desired hardness or flexibility.
By not releasing microplastics, this new material addresses a significant drawback of current plastics. Initial tests with alkyl SP2 indicate that it can also be effectively recycled, with over 80% of its components recoverable through simple processes.
Despite its high advantages, the cost of this plastic is still higher than that of conventional plastics. Additionally, due to its capability to decompose in seawater, it is not suitable for use in fishing equipment.
Thus, we cannot yet declare that we have “won” the battle against plastic pollution, but alkyl SP2 represents a promising step forward. By combining environmentally friendly features with high recyclability, this material could pave the way for a more sustainable future.
