The team of researchers from RIKEN Center for Emerging Matter Scienceled by Takuzo Aida, has developed a plastic with unique properties. This discovery, published in the prestigious journal Science, could well transform our approach to plastic waste management.
This innovative material has several remarkable characteristics:
- Strength comparable to conventional plastics
- Increased biodegradability
- Solubility in sea water
- Non-toxicity and non-flammability
The particularity of this plastic lies in its ability to disintegrate on contact with salt waterthus avoiding the formation of microplastics harmful to the marine environment. This property clearly distinguishes it from current biodegradable plastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA), which remain insoluble in water.
Composition and manufacturing process
The secret of this plastic lies in its unique composition. Researchers combined two ionic monomers to create a supramolecular polymer with exceptional properties. One of the key components is sodium hexametaphosphate, a common food additive, combined with different guanidinium ion-based monomers.
The manufacturing process involves several crucial steps:
- Mixing monomers in water
- Formation of two distinct liquid phases
- “Desalting” process to obtain usable material
- Creation of stable cross-links by salt bridges
This innovative production method allows you to obtain a plastic whose properties can be adjusted according to specific needs. The researchers managed to create variants of different hardness and tensile strength, rivaling or even surpassing traditional plastics.
Environmental implications and future prospects
The potential impact of this discovery on the environment is considerable. Laboratory tests revealed promising results:
| Characteristic | Result |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | 91% hexametaphosphate and 82% guanidinium recovered |
| Biodegradability in soil | Complete degradation in 10 days |
| Effect on the ground | Beneficial intake of phosphorus and nitrogen (fertilizing effect) |
This innovation is part of a global approach to sustainable developmentrecalling the importance of scientific research in solving environmental challenges. Just as China's creation of a powerful magnetic field opens up new technological perspectives, this soluble plastic could revolutionize our approach to waste management.
However, the path to large-scale application remains strewn with pitfalls. Challenges to overcome include:
- Optimizing the production process for large-scale manufacturing
- Reducing production costs to make the material economically viable
- Adapting existing recycling infrastructure
- Raising public and industrial awareness of the use of this new material
Despite these obstacles, this progress represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future. It demonstrates that innovative solutions can emerge from fundamental research, offering new perspectives for solving complex environmental problems. Just as the discovery of a “third state” between life and death challenges our scientific conceptions, this plastic soluble in seawater could transform our approach to the production and consumption of plastic.
https://www.riken.jp/en/research/labs/cems/
