We all know that there’s an ongoing single-use plastic crisis that the world is facing, and finally, scientists might have the key to the problem. They have invented a new material by exploiting plants that could act as the perfect placeholder for many of our everyday plastic items, such as cups.
Cellulose is the main actor in this new achievement by scientists, as it makes up the cell walls of plants. Noriyuki Isobe is the scientist responsible for leading the team that came up with the new idea, and they have presented their work at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC).
How does the new material work?
Scientists figured out how to use a solution of lithium bromide to treat the cellulose without needing coagulants. Thus, the material dries naturally while still retaining its shape. Furthermore, it’s waterproof as well, which means that there’s no need to worry about water damage.
The researchers didn’t hesitate to put their material to the test, and the results were satisfying. The cup made of transparent paperboard was able to hold hot water for about three hours without any significant leakage.
Isobe, leader of the team of scientists responsible for the new achievement, stated, as NewScientist quotes:
We have now developed a regenerated cellulose material from this solvent system that is not only shapeable but also has the potential to serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics
Both recycled and upcycled products based on cellulose, such as recovered clothing, can represent the main source of the newfound material.
Unlike other materials, plastic doesn’t have the ability to biodegrade. For plastic to break down, it can require up to 1,000 years, which means that it can build up in the environment when it’s discarded. Unfortunately, such pollution can have a serious impact on our health.
The new study was published in Science Advances.