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A group of scientists have developed a type of plastic that is soluble in seawater and does not leave microplastics. The invention is seen as a milestone in the fight against ocean pollution.
A soluble plastic that can completely degrade in seawater without generating microplastics has been developed by Japanese scientists. The breakthrough comes from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) and represents a possible solution to one of the world's biggest environmental problems of the planet: marine pollution caused by plastic waste.
Plastic is currently the most common type of waste in the oceans. According to data released by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, 85% of marine waste is plastic. In total, it is estimated that there are around 200 million tons of this material in the ocean environment.
Some of this waste turns into microplastics, particles that harm ecosystems and end up entering the food chain.
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With the new material developed by CEMS scientists, this scenario could start to change. Unlike traditional plastics, which persist for decades in the environment and are the main cause of marine pollution, this Japanese soluble plastic dissolves in just a few days when in contact with seawater.
A new class of plastic
The material created is made from supramolecular polymers. More specifically, the team combined two ionic monomers: one based on guanidinium and the other on sodium hexametaphosphate. Together, they form cross-linked salt bridges that give the plastic strength and flexibility.
These chemical bonds are selectively irreversible, meaning they remain stable until they are exposed to electrolytes present in seawater. When this happens, the material begins to decompose.
Takuzo Aida, the research leader, explained that the main discovery was creating these bonds that remain intact until they come into contact with the marine environment. He highlighted that desalination was an essential step in the process. Without it, the result was a brittle crystal, unsuitable for any practical application.
Biodegradable, strong and safe
The new plastic, called alkyl SP2, underwent a series of tests. The results showed that it is strong, resistant to high temperatures, malleable and, at the same time, biodegradable, recyclable and non-toxic. In addition, it is non-flammable.
When in contact with seawater, alkyl SP2 dissolves completely within 10 days. During this process, the material releases phosphorus and nitrogen — essential nutrients used in fertilizers — which can have a positive effect on the environment, according to scientists.
Takuzo Aida emphasized that this creation represents a new family of plastics. In addition to all the technical advantages, the main benefit would be the end of the generation of microplastics, the biggest problem causing marine pollution, affecting several species and having impacts on human consumption.
Several possible applications
Alkyl SP2 can be molded at temperatures above 120°C, like other thermoplastics. This means it can be used in a variety of industries. The research team says the material is scratch-resistant and can be produced with different textures and strengths, depending on the need.
For example, it can be molded to have a consistency similar to silicone or, if necessary, to be rigid like other industrial plastics. In addition, it is compatible with 3D printing, which further expands its use, especially in areas such as medicine and healthcare.
This flexibility is possible thanks to the modification of guanidinium sulfates during the manufacturing process. This allows researchers to adapt the properties of the plastic according to the type of use desired.
The survey results were published in the journal Science, one of the most respected in the scientific field. For the authors, the development of alkyl SP2 represents a milestone in the fight against plastic pollution.
According to them, the material’s ability to degrade in both water and soil, without leaving harmful residues, could transform the global plastics industry. The goal now is to advance the practical application of the technology and explore the commercial possibilities of this new material. The project shows that it is possible to create sustainable solutions without compromising performance and safety.
With information from Interesting Engineering.
