Richismita Hazra, Amity University Kolkata
Synthetic plastics have become an interminable hazard to the environment since the beginning of their use. Synthetic plastics contain such polymers which on interaction with water, generate toxic chemicals that are discharged into the surrounding environment. Although biodegradable products like sugarcane have been utilized for producing an alternative, scientists are in search of more such eco-friendly substitutes. So as to determine a feasible alternative, researchers have steered their findings and studies of marine biomass.
Scientists from NIOT (National Institute of Ocean Technology) have developed a bio-plastic film from macroalgae and PEG-300 which is expected to scale down the usage or consumption of non-biodegradable plastics.
Kappaphycus alvarezii is a red algae that is of significant commercial importance. They are highly colloidal and can be easily and cheaply cultivated in a short period of time (about 45 days) without the involvement of chemicals or freshwater. They only require sunlight. This innovative bio-plastic would be potential as carrying bags and food packaging materials that would enable permeability of moisture and oxygen.
The plasticizer PEG-300 (Polyethylene Glycol) has been used along with this red algae by the research team in order to attain improved tensile strength. This plasticizer is an eco-friendly and non-toxic polymer that is useful in boosting thermos-plasticity. This innovative and novel bio-plastic exhibits matching levels of mechanical and physical properties with that of synthetic plastics.
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Source- https://vigyanprasar.gov.in/isw/Development-of-biodegradable-plastic-from-marine-seaweed.html
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