Ho Chi Minh Times

Saturday, Dec 14, 2024

International Researchers Develop Biodegradable Plastic to Combat Ocean Pollution

New "Supramolecular" Plastic Breaks Down in Seawater, Offering a Solution to Environmental Pollution
A breakthrough in the battle against ocean pollution has been made by an international team of researchers, who have developed a new type of plastic that can break down in seawater. This innovative material, known as "supramolecular" plastic, was detailed in the latest edition of the U.S. academic journal *Science*. The development aims to reduce the environmental harm caused by the accumulation of plastics in the oceans.

The new plastic, created by researchers from Riken, Japan’s national science research institute, and the University of Tokyo, exhibits similar tensile strength to conventional plastics but offers a crucial environmental benefit. It can be processed in the same way as petroleum-based plastics, yet it is designed to disintegrate in seawater, breaking down into non-toxic monomers. These monomers, which are derived from food additives and organic materials, decompose further when exposed to saltwater and bacteria, offering a much-needed solution to the growing plastic waste crisis.

The "supramolecular" plastic is recyclable, nonflammable, and shows promise for use in precision machinery parts and architectural adhesives. The material's ability to degrade in seawater could help mitigate the environmental impact of plastic pollution, particularly in the oceans where much of the plastic waste accumulates. Researchers also foresee potential applications for the plastic if it is made water-repellent, expanding its use in various industries.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Ho Chi Minh Times
0:00
0:00
Close
Huệ Nam Palace Festival and Vân Cù Vermicelli Recognised as National Intangible Heritages
Phu Quoc’s Transformation: From Natural Beauty to a Global Tourism Powerhouse
Foreign Vehicles in Vietnam Require Strict Compliance with New Rules
Vietnam’s Wood and Forestry Exports Surge Past Expectations
Vietnam to Boost Traditional Medicine for Healthcare and Tourism
Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line Begins Final Trial Phase
Plastic Treaty Negotiations End in Stalemate, Highlighting Global Challenges
Lao Child Successfully Treated for Severe Illness in Vietnam
Vietnamese Culture Week Celebrates Friendship with Laos
Foreigners Showcase Unique Perspectives in 'Happy Vietnam' Contest
Vietnam Faces Potential Trump Tariff Threat
NVIDIA’s AI Center in Vietnam to Create 1,000 Jobs and Boost Economy
Vietnam Restarts Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project After Eight-Year Halt
Ho Chi Minh City Offers Free Metro Rides for a Month
Viettel Post Unveils Cutting-Edge Logistics Park in Lang Son
Vietnam Gears Up for International Defense Expo 2024
Vietnam Establishes AI Ethics Committee to Lead Responsible Innovation
Vietnam Struggles to Build Global Rice Brand Amid Challenges
U.S. Businesses Deepen Investment in Vietnam’s Semiconductor Industry
Saigon Zoo Faces Financial Crisis Amid Land Rent Dispute
Vietnam and Laos Strengthen Cultural and Tourism Ties
SEAPAC Urges Youth Engagement in Anti-Corruption Fight
South Korea's Presidential Office Raided Amid Allegations of Martial Law Plan
Chinese National Arrested for Alleged Role in Thailand’s Largest Call Scam Operation
UNFPA Highlights Women’s Rights on Human Rights Day
Vietnam and Laos Strengthen Historic Ties Through High-Level Dialogue
Southeast Asia Emerges as a Hub for AI Innovation
Global Forum to Highlight Role of Young Vietnamese Intellectuals in Hanoi
Hội An Celebrates 25 Years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Vietnam Marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities with Inspiring Efforts
Vietnam Targets Tobacco Control Amidst High Smoking Rates
Vietnam Implements New Rule for Registering Newborn Residences
South Korean MP Ahn Cheol-soo Breaks Ranks to Support Presidential Impeachment
Digital Detox: The Unplugged Success of China's Tech-Free Contest
South Korean President Faces Travel Ban Amid Political Turmoil
China Mobilizes Nearly Ninety Vessels Near Taiwan
HCM City’s Music Festivals Light Up Year-End Celebrations
2024 International Culinary Festival: A Celebration of Global Flavours
Vietnam Achieves $24.31 Billion Trade Surplus in Eleven Months
Vietnam’s Food Industry Sees Surge in Mergers and Acquisitions
Northern Vietnam Faces Season’s Coldest Temperatures
Vietnam Airlines Expands Fleet for Lunar New Year Travel Surge
Vietnam Tackles Tax Challenges in E-Commerce Growth
Thousands falling victim to online scam rings in South East Asia
Historic Māori Rights March in New Zealand Marks Major Step Forward
Vietnamese Experts Honored for Their Role in Cambodia's Post-Conflict Recovery
Christmas in Vietnam: A Fusion of Western Tradition and Local Charm
Trade at the Heart of Vietnam-U.S. Economic Partnership
Ho Chi Minh City Gears Up for Vietnam’s Next Digital Leap
Ho Chi Minh City Rises in Global Best Cities Rankings on Economic, Cultural Appeal
×