PLASTICS
debris is, the easier it is for
organisms to ingest. The
second problem posed by
plastic degradation in our
waters is that of the chemicals
produced during chain scission.
For the plastics that stay on land
Theoretically,
developing
biodegradable
plastics means
that it’s easy to
solve the plastics
and are buried in land ll, the process of
problem
degradation is similar. As many pieces of plastic
waste in land ll will not be exposed to sunlight
or UV radiation in the same way as sea plastics,
the factor a ecting degradation is heat.
“As a dumping ground for waste, land lls
contain a mix of many types of solid waste,
most of which does not have the same
trouble degrading that plastics do,” Dr Jahnke
continues. “As these products deteriorate,
the chemical reactions that occur lead to an
elevated temperature, which can contribute
to polymer breakdown. However, the same
problem of potentially toxic chemical leakage
persists, which can easily enter soil and make its
way back into our food chain over time.”
Nature fi nds a way
Plastics and plastic pollution are among the top
problems facing the planet and life as we know
it today. As such, researchers around the world
have been vehemently searching for a solution,
which led to the development of bioplastics and
biodegradable plastics.
Dr Jahnke says: “Often confused,
bioplastics are based on naturally occurring
components, either entirely or in part, whereas
biodegradable plastics are any plastic that
can be completely broken down naturally to
accepted industry standards. Generally, all
biodegradable plastics are bioplastics, and that
is why naturally occurring microorganisms
can consume them, unlike fossil-fuel derived
plastics.
“Theoretically, developing biodegradable
plastics means that it’s easy to solve the plastics
problem. We simply need to move away from
unsustainable plastics and adjust manufacturing
processes to use naturally occurring, safely
biodegradable polymers instead. Of course, this
is not the pragmatic approach.”
The reason why plastic in its current form
has proven so popular is its versatility. It can
be soft, exible and malleable where the
application needs it, or it can be developed in
a way that makes it highly durable and rigid.
Biodegradable plastics have so far lacked this
versatility, limiting the scope of their application.
“But now, we’re on the precipice of change
in the industry,” Dr Jahnke says. “Following
years of research, Teysha Technologies has
achieved a landmark breakthrough in creating a
viable substitute for existing petroleum-based
polycarbonates.
“The breakthrough is more of a platform
than a single polymer system, providing
inherent versatility in the properties that can be
achieved. It can be thought of as a plug-and-play
system where various modi ed natural-product
monomers and various co-monomers can be
used. In addition to co-monomers, various
additives can be used to modify the properties
of the nal polymer produced. This versatility
allows for the formation of a variety of materials
that can vary greatly in their thermal and
mechanical properties.”
Because the platform facilitates the use of
various components, everything from strength
and toughness to thermal stability and even
the degradation rate of the material can be
controlled.
“This is the pragmatic solution for
consumers, material scientists and design
engineers alike,” Dr Jahnke states. “Not only
does it accommodate for the existing lifestyle
of the end user, but it also allows materials
scientists to create something that serves as a
desired, drop-in replacement for petroleumbased
plastics.
“Traditional plastics might pose a problem
for the planet, but tuneable plastics could o er
a viable solution that lets us sustain life as we
know it.”
34 www.materialsforengineering.co.uk Winter 2019
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