Image courtesy of RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science
Japanese researchers have created a new type of plastic that is strong, recyclable, and completely dissolves in seawater, helping to reduce ocean pollution.
Takuzo Aida at the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) leads the research.
How It Works
The plastic is made using special chemical bonds that hold it together during use but break apart when exposed to saltwater.
Scientists combined a common food additive (sodium hexametaphosphate) with a special compound (guanidinium) to create this unique material.
When put into soil, the plastic material breaks down in ten days.
Image courtesy of RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science
Why It’s Important
• Dissolves in Water – Unlike regular plastics, which break into harmful microplastics, this one fully dissolves in seawater within hours.
• Breaks Down in Soil – If buried, it completely decomposes in about 10 days, even enriching the soil with nutrients.
• 100% Recyclable – Scientists can recover most of the material and reuse it to make new plastic.
• Versatile – It can be made into hard, scratch-resistant objects or soft, flexible materials for different uses, including 3D printing and medical devices.
Image courtesy of RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science
This discovery could be a game-changer in reducing plastic waste and keeping our oceans clean.
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