Modern life relies on plastic. This lightweight, adaptable product is a cornerstone of packaging, medical equipment, the aerospace and automotive industries and more. But plastic waste remains a problem as it degrades in landfills and pollutes oceans.
From left, Associate Professor Hoyong Chung and postdoctoral researcher Arijit Ghorai display the two phases of their degradable polymer at the Dittmer Chemistry Lab at Florida State University. Credit: Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
The material developed by Chung and his research team is fully degradable at the end of its life without producing microplastics and toxic substances. It can be synthesized at lower pressures and temperatures. And the polymer can be recycled without losing its original properties. "We can readily degrade the polymer via depolymerization, and the degraded product can synthesize the same polymer again," Chung said."This is more cost-effective and keeps it from losing original properties of polymers over multiple recycling. This is considered a breakthrough inThe newly developed material could be used for low-cost, short-lifespan plastic products in such sectors as construction, agriculture, packaging, cosmetics, textiles, diapers and disposable kitchenware.
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