Apr 21, 2025
Japan Creates Plastic That Dissolves in Seawater Without Microplastic Waste
Scientists in Japan produce a durable plastic that doesn't leave behind microplastic residue and dissolves in saltwater in 8.5 hours
Normal plastics are strong and last forever, but they terribly harm our nature, ending up in the ocean
This plastic is constructed from fertilizer-based and food-safe substances; it remains durable while in use before decomposing into nutrients rather than pollutants
And what's its secret? In seawater, "salt bridges" break down, turning plastic into innocuous elements like nitrogen and phosphorus
Built with reversible bonds, the substance is a supramolecular plastic that remains stable until it comes into contact with salt
It breaks down in less than ten days in the soil, benefiting rather than damaging the planet
91% of its parts are recyclable and reusable, marking a remarkable advancement in the use of circular plastics
An important achievement in the fight against plastic pollution could result from this invention's ability to preserve ecosystems and clean up oceans
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