Scientists turn bioplastic cutlery into building foam

Biodegradable plastics are specifically designed to break down quickly, so they cannot be recycled.

Researchers from the University of CanterburyNew Zealanders have developed a method of turning biodegradable plastic knives, spoons and forks into foam that can be used as wall insulation or in flotation devices.

As an experiment, scientists placed dining roomsdevices into a special chamber filled with carbon dioxide. By changing the level of pressure, the researchers observed how carbon dioxide expanded inside the plastic, creating foam, and later the scientists obtained polystyrene foam.

Every time plastic is recycled, itloses some of its strength. But this doesn't matter for polystyrene foam; many applications don't require it to be strong. The material is used as wall insulation or in flotation devices.

Recycling biodegradable plastics canpartially solve the global problem of environmental pollution. Although the biodegradable material eventually degrades in nature, it is better for the environment if the plastic is recycled.

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