Researchers have developed an environmentally friendly and reusable plastic, a process called hydraulic curing, which uses water to reshape the plastic as needed, eliminating the need for expensive and complex manufacturing technologies.
Most of the plastics made use of petrochemical products as raw materials. As we can see, they have been destroying our planet in a disastrous way. However, cellulose, the main component of plant cell wall and also considered as the natural polymer on earth, may be a perfect substitute for traditional plastics.
Researchers at Gottingen University have successfully developed a new type of cellulose cinnamate or CCI by introducing "cinnamoyl" groups to change a small part of the chemical composition of cellulose, which can form a new type of bioplastics with water-plastic polymers.
This means that plastics can be formed with water at room temperature and pressure. This method, called hydraulic curing, allows researchers to create various shapes by simply immersing bioplastics in water and drying them in the air.
The formed shape remains stable for a long time and can be reshaped many times in a variety of 2D and 3D configurations, according to the researchers. The only disadvantage of this plastic is that it is not recommended to use in direct contact with water, because it will eventually lose its shape due to its water nature. However, it can hold water and can even be used for components under wet conditions.
Relevant personnel explained: "our research provides a feasible method for designing other environmentally friendly water plastics using renewable resources. This should open up new research ways and stimulate further exploration of other sustainable bioplastics with excellent mechanical properties and new functions."
This method provides a cheaper and complex method, avoids bad processing conditions, and has recyclability, economy and sustainability.
This research provides great potential for this bioplastics to be applied in many different situations, such as biology, electronics and drugs. In particular, the harmful impact of plastics on the environment is harmful to all forms of life on earth. The reuse of water plastics with unique functions will be minimized.
