Scientists have developed a new type of plastic that can degrade or repair damage in the environment. About informs New Atlas.
Plastics are strong and do not biodegrade well due to covalent bonds between polymer-forming molecules. Scientists have tried to create environmentally friendly plastics on non-covalent bonds, but such materials have poor mechanical properties.
Scientists from the University of Turku presented a supramolecular plastic that can be easily recycled and turned into an adhesive at a given water content, or quickly self-healing when damaged. At low water content, the material can stretch and deform, making it easier to use in some cases. At the same time, the plastic has the strength of conventional plastic based on covalent bonds.
The study’s authors hope the technology will be used to create car paints that “heal” scratches, phone cases, or new types of batteries. It will also reduce the burden on the environment as the material decomposes well in nature and is suitable for recycling.
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