German chemists from the University of Konstanz have developed durable and biodegradable plastic. Modernized
The new plastic polyester-2.18 consists of twomain modules: a short diol unit with two carbon atoms and a dicarboxylic acid with 18 carbon atoms. Due to its crystalline structure, it exhibits both mechanical stability and thermal stability.
Plastics are made up of long chains of one orseveral basic chemical modules, (monomers), the scientists explain. Most of the plastics used are characterized by high crystallinity and water repellency. It is these features that make plastic so popular in industry and everyday life, but they also make it difficult to naturally decompose.
To overcome this incompatibility betweenstability and biodegradability of plastics, scientists have added chemical breakpoints to their materials. Under the influence of enzymes, chemical polymers are destroyed in predetermined places, which significantly speeds up the processing process.
The researchers conducted laboratory experiments withnatural enzymes and testing in an industrial compost plant. Over the course of several days, the polyester was degraded by enzymes in a laboratory experiment. It took the micro-organisms of the composting plant about two months to completely break down the plastic.
Chemists continue to study the properties of the new substance to find ways to reuse recycled materials.
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