Articles tagged with Biodegradable Plastics
Researchers at ETH Zurich develop a new method to track plastic biodegradation in soil, using stable carbon isotopes to demonstrate complete mass balances. The study finds that about two-thirds of the added polymer carbon is converted into CO2, while one-third remains in the soil, with some being incorporated into microbial biomass.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in plastics recycling by developing a technology that can convert mixed plastics into biodegradable products, reducing the need for costly separations. The process uses chemical oxidation and biological processes to break down plastics into smaller building blocks that can be consumed by microorgani...
A team of researchers developed a system that uses carbon dioxide to produce biodegradable plastics, which could replace traditional nondegradable plastics. The new platform has great potential to address sustainability challenges and transform the future design of carbon dioxide reduction.
Scientists at the University of California San Diego have developed a new biodegradable polyurethane material that can break down in seawater, reducing plastic pollution. The material was tested in marine environments and found to be degraded by microorganisms, which consume the chemicals as nutrients.
A new study reveals that plastic degradation releases organic compounds and CO2 into the water, causing a drop in pH levels. The study found that aged plastic contributes significantly more to ocean acidification than new plastic, with some types of plastic releasing up to 0.5 pH units.
Researchers developed a scalable process for a biodegradable coating that protects against pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, transportation damage, and reduces weight loss in avocados by 50%. The coating can be rinsed off with water and degrades in soil within three days.
A recent study has found that ocean plastic may be a source of novel antibiotics, with researchers isolating five antibiotic-producing bacteria from plastic debris. The isolated bacteria showed promise against commonly used and resistant bacterial strains, providing hope for an alternative solution to the growing antibiotic crisis.
Researchers discovered Zophobas morio 'superworms' can survive on polystyrene diet, suggesting they can derive energy from it. The worms' gut microbes are believed to play a crucial role in breaking down the plastic material.
Researchers at the University of Bath developed a way to make PLA plastics more degradable in natural environments by incorporating sugar molecules. This technology can degrade 40% of the plastic within six hours of exposure to UV light, making it compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
Cornell scientists have created a biodegradable polymer to extend the shelf life of salad dressings, marinades, and beverages in refrigerators. This innovation uses a bioderived material that interacts with food without migrating into it, reducing waste and environmental impact.
A team of high school students, led by science teacher Rebecca Bushway, designed an inexpensive filter attachment that removes lead from tap water. The filter uses a biodegradable plastic cartridge with a built-in indicator that turns the water yellow when lead is present.
Researchers at São Paulo State University have developed an edible bioplastic with a tensile strength comparable to petroleum-based plastics. The material is made from gelatin, clay and a nanoemulsion of black pepper essential oil, extending shelf life and preventing microbial contamination.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a simple and rapid chemical recycling process for polycarbonates, breaking down plastic waste within 20 minutes at room temperature. The new process can convert waste into its chemical constituents, preserving product quality over an infinite number of cycles.
Researchers in Brazil and Portugal create biodegradable plastic film using eutectic solvents and natural pigments extracted from yeast. The process is environmentally sustainable and has potential applications in smart packaging with antioxidant and anti-microbial properties.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found hundreds of chemical substances in tap water stored in reusable plastic bottles, including some potentially harmful to human health. The study revealed that machine washing and dishwasher use can increase the leaching of toxic substances from the plastic.
Researchers developed novel bioplastics using lysine-rich proteins, offering improved durability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The bioplastics can be produced without toxic chemicals or complex processing steps, making them a promising alternative for packaging, toys, and other applications.
Researchers developed a self-cleaning bioplastic that repels liquids and dirt like a lotus leaf, breaking down rapidly in soil. The bioplastic is made from cheap raw materials, compostable, and suitable for fresh food and takeaway packaging.
A team from University of Science and Technology of China discovered the microscopic mechanism behind traditional Xuan paper's high strength and toughness. They developed a high-performance, high-haze transparent film with excellent properties, including high light transmittance, flexibility, and thermal stability.
A University of Adelaide study reveals that over 35% of fish caught off southern Australia contain microplastics, with the problem being most acute in South Australia. Simple actions like replacing plastic fishing equipment and using biodegradable bags can quickly reduce plastic pollution in the ocean.
Researchers have identified a bacterium, Ideonella sakaiensis, capable of degrading PET plastics and producing biodegradable PHA plastics. This finding addresses two pressing sustainability issues in the plastics industry.
Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed an elastomer that is both stiff and tough, resolving the long-standing conundrum in polymer science. The new material has high toughness, strength, and fatigue resistance, making it suitable for applications such as tissue regeneration, bio...
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that maritime ropes can release millions of microplastic fragments into the ocean annually. The research estimated that the UK fishing fleet alone could be releasing between 326 million to 17 billion microplastic pieces into the ocean every year.
Soil ecologists found that biobased plastics like PBSA degrade efficiently in the soil, even under future climate conditions, but excessive amounts can disrupt microbial communities and agriculture. The degradation process is influenced by fungi and a diverse bacterial community.
Researchers have developed a biodegradable polymer coating that can block grease and oil in compostable paper packaging, reducing environmental impact. The coating's ester linkages break apart in water, allowing microorganisms to degrade it.
A new study reveals a cost-effective method to produce biodegradable plastics from corn stubble, grasses, and mesquite, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based plastics. This breakthrough enables the creation of eco-friendly bioplastics that can replace conventional plastics in various industries.
A team of researchers from the University of Canterbury has developed a method to turn previously non-recyclable biodegradable plastic into a foam that can be used as insulation in walls or flotation devices. The process involves dissolving carbon dioxide into the plastic, creating foaming.
Key findings suggest PHA's rapid biodegradability is overstated in real-world conditions, but it remains a better alternative to non-biodegradable plastics. Several companies are planning to switch their packaging to PHA-based materials soon.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a method to make biodegradable plastics break down easily in weeks, solving the problem of single-use plastics not being biodegradable. The process involves embedding polyester-eating enzymes in the plastic, which degrades into small molecules when exposed to heat and water.
Researchers have developed an enzyme-activated compostable plastic that can break down into its building blocks and be reformed into a new product. This innovative material has the potential to diminish microplastics pollution and offers a promising solution for plastics upcycling.
Researchers have developed biodegradable tableware made from hybrid sugarcane and bamboo fibers, which breaks down in 60 days and is cleaner than traditional bioplastics. The new material has improved mechanical strength, grease resistance, and non-toxicity, with a significantly smaller carbon footprint.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a marine biodegradable plastic using starch and cellulose, demonstrating excellent water-resistance and high strength. The new material has the potential to significantly reduce marine debris accumulation and contribute to sustainable development goals.
A new Stanford study shows that mealworms can eat Styrofoam containing toxic chemicals without building up harm in their bodies. The worms' guts concentrate and remove these additives through biodegradation, making them a promising source of protein-rich feedstock for other animals.
Researchers tested biodegradable, oxo-biodegradable and compostable plastic bags in three natural environments over a 3-year period. The results show that none of the bags reliably deteriorated within 3 years, with conventional polyethylene bags remaining intact.
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that biodegradable plastic bags remained functional as carrier bags for over three years when exposed to air, soil, and sea. The compostable bag completely disappeared after just three months in a marine environment, while others continued to show signs of deterioration but remained intact.
Researchers develop biodegradable plastics that break down under diverse conditions, offering new options for disposal. The study examines the degradation of individual bioplastics and blends under managed and unmanaged environments, finding improved characteristics in certain blends.
A research team at UGA New Materials Institute has synthesized a food contact polymer to create a commercially viable, fully biodegradable plastic straw. The straws must perform as well as traditional plastic straws and be cost-effective over their entire life cycle.
Colorado State University chemists have synthesized a biorenewable, biodegradable polymer called bacterial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) or P3HB. The new chemical synthesis route produces P3HB with similar performance to bacterial P3HB but at a faster and more cost-effective scale.
A new technique developed by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has improved the properties of plant-derived biodegradable plastic, allowing for large-scale industrial production. The approach involves rapidly heating bio-plastic fibers to high temperatures, resulting in enhanced resistance to heat and moisture.
Since 1950s, over 9.1 billion tons of plastic have been manufactured, with the majority ending up in landfills or natural settings. Recycling plastic merely delays disposal unless it reduces new production, while incineration can have negative environmental and health effects.
Scientists discovered a caterpillar can break down polyethylene, a tough plastic found in shopping bags. The wax worm's saliva contains an enzyme that degrades the chemical bonds in the plastic, reducing its mass by 92mg after 12 hours.
Researchers evaluated three biodegradable plastic mulch products and found two to be suitable alternatives to traditional polyethylene mulches. BioAgri¹ and Crown 1 mulches performed well in terms of crop yield, weed suppression, and overall function, making them viable options for organic production in the Pacific Northwest.
Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture have created a biodegradable thermoplastic composite using sugar beet pulp and polylactic acid. The new material retains mechanical properties similar to traditional plastics, offering a sustainable alternative for disposable food packaging.
Researchers have discovered a new way to produce biodegradable plastic PHB using microalgae. This alternative method could provide a renewable source of plastics, reducing the millions of tons of waste caused by petroleum-based plastics.
Scientists have developed a biodegradable foam plastic substitute using milk protein and clay. The new material is strong enough for commercial use, with almost a third of the material breaking down within 30 days.
Scientists have developed a lightweight, biodegradable foam material made from milk protein and clay, offering a potential substitute for traditional plastics. The new substance is strong enough for commercial use and breaks down almost entirely within 30 days.
Researchers have developed a synthetic wood substitute made from a new biodegradable plastic that could replace petrochemical plastics in building materials and disposable water bottles. The material is durable, recyclable and can be produced faster than wood or trees.
Scientists have developed a method to produce biodegradable plastics from plants, which can be used to replace petroleum-based plastics. The new plastic, called polyhdroxybutyrate-co-polyhydroxyvalerate (PHBV), is flexible and moldable, and can be naturally degraded into water and carbon dioxide by bacteria in the soil.
Justin Barone's research focuses on creating biodegradable plastics from agricultural byproducts like poultry feathers. He has developed polymers with improved strength, water resistance, and longevity by modifying keratin amino acid structures and using natural additives.
Scientists have developed a new type of environmentally friendly plastic that breaks down in seawater, reducing the need for storage on ships. The biodegradable plastics could replace conventional plastics used in various applications at sea, including stretch wrap, food containers, and eating utensils.
Researchers at Iowa State University are improving plastics made from corn and soy proteins by adding nanoclays and using high-powered ultrasonics. The goal is to create strong, biodegradable plastics with potential applications in packaging, disposable wraps, and other industries.
A special strain of soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida converts polystyrene foam into a biodegradable plastic called PHA, which can be used in medicine and disposable items. The process might also be used to convert other types of discarded plastics into PHA, reducing plastic waste.
Researchers have developed fully biodegradable composites made from soybean protein and plant-based fibers, which could replace plastic parts in various applications. These green composites provide excellent insulation and are low in cost, biodegradable, and replenishable on a yearly basis.
Corn-based biodegradable plastics have won a national award, thanks to Cornell chemist Coates' innovative work in developing polymers that can be easily absorbed by the environment. His research has also led to new applications, such as sutures and drug delivery systems.
A new type of degradable polyethene, SPI-TEK, breaks down in five years and allows other organic materials to decompose, increasing landfill site capacity. Bayer is also testing a new 100% degradable polyester suitable for industrial production in agriculture and food sectors.
University of Illinois food scientists create water-resistant, plastic-like containers using zein and fatty acids, which can be naturally decomposed. The new process produces biodegradable plastics from corn gluten meal, addressing the global demand for eco-friendly packaging materials.