Swedish scientists from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) have developed porous materials from protein raw materials obtained from food waste. This discovery will eventually make it possible to replace sanitary pads and diapers made of synthetic materials with more environmentally friendly and biodegradable analogues. The results of the study were published on: portal American Chemical Society (ACS).
Looking for a more sustainable source of the material, the team identified proteins and other natural molecules left over from food and agricultural production. These included gluten from wheat, zein from corn, and natural antioxidant extracts.
The researchers mixed proteins in different proportions, adding water and baking soda as foaming agents, glycerin for plasticization, and natural extracts that act as preservatives.
The scientists then used plastics industry equipment and processing techniques to produce hygiene product components using extrusion, producing threads and flat sheets of foam.
The resulting products quickly absorbed the liquid and retained it well. Tests at KTH showed that when exposed to water or soil bacteria, these materials completely decompose within a few weeks and fertilize the soil by releasing carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, amino acids and other compounds.
Previous scientists appreciated Health benefits of wine waste.