American researchers at the Wood Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have made a breakthrough discovery in the field of bioplastics. The team of scientists has discovered that the well-known cellulose acetate (CDA), when converted into a foamed form, is not only durable, but also degrades in seawater 15 times faster than its solid form and even faster than paper. The new material is expected to enter the market soon.
The study is described in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering (https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c05822).
Source: https://pubs.acs.org
A key feature of the new material is the pores that give it a sponge-like structure. In this form, CDA decomposes as much as 190 percent faster than in its typical form. Another advantage of the foam is material efficiency.
The researchers’ discovery has the potential to significantly reduce plastic pollution in the oceans, while offering an alternative to traditional materials that are difficult to degrade.
