On November 27, 2024, researchers at the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) in Japan announced the development of a new type of durable plastic that decomposes in seawater without creating microplastics. This supramolecular polymer is designed to dissolve in saltwater, offering a potential solution to marine pollution.
The team, led by Takuzo Aida, aimed to create safe and sustainable materials that surpass current biodegradable plastics, which often remain intact in marine environments. The new polymer is formed from ionic monomers held together by reversible interactions, allowing it to break down efficiently in seawater.
The innovative plastic is made by combining sodium hexametaphosphate, a common food additive, with a guanidinium-based compound. Once dissolved in seawater, the polymer destabilizes rapidly, preventing the formation of harmful microplastics.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the new plastic is non-toxic, non-flammable, and can be reshaped at temperatures above 120°C, making it suitable for various applications, including 3D printing and medical uses. The research highlights that the material can be recycled easily, with up to 91% of its components recoverable after dissolution.
This breakthrough was published in the journal Science under the title 'Mechanically strong yet metabolizable supramolecular plastics by desalting upon phase separation.'