Scientists create safe plastic that breaks down in water and soil

A team of scientists from the RIKEN Center for Emerging Substances Research (CEMS), the University of Tokyo and Eindhoven University of Technology has developed a new type of recyclable plastic. It is completely soluble in seawater.

The new material results from compounds of sodium hexametaphosphate and monomers based on guanidinium ions. These components can be broken down by bacteria, allowing them to dissolve in water.

The new plastic has strength comparable to conventional plastic due to cross-linked salt bridges. The material's unique properties allow it to remold at temperatures above 120 degrees. In addition, the new plastic is able to decompose in the soil in just 10 days and can serve as a fertilizer, enriching the soil with phosphorus and nitrogen.

In the future, scientists will still study the new material. According to them, in case of entering the market, this environmentally friendly plastic will be suitable for food packaging, medical instruments, as well as for 3D printing

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Scientists create safe plastic that breaks down in water and soil

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