Researchers have developed a new type of biomaterial aimed at replacing plastics

2024-02-28

Nowadays, plastics are extremely common and widely used in many industries, but they pose significant environmental challenges. Some types of plastics do not decompose in the environment and are an important source of pollution. The challenge of replacing plastics is that sustainable materials often have limited mechanical properties and complex manufacturing processes. Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China believe that they have an alternative that can eliminate petroleum based plastics.

Researchers have a new method to manufacture materials with a nanogram like structure from a type of wood derived fiber and mica. This material can adapt to large-scale production and has good processability and color adjustment. Natural nanofibers have a layered and ordered structure similar to bricks and mortar, giving them strength and toughness.

The materials designed by the researchers use TiO2 coated mica microporous plates and cellulose nanofibers. It can be manufactured using directional deformation assembly method. This method compresses the hydrogel of TIO2 mica and CNF. Manufacturing processes and multi-scale levels contribute to load redistribution and toughness of materials.

The materials used in this manufacturing process have twice the toughness of high-performance engineering plastics such as polyamide and aromatic polycarbonate, making them more robust than traditional petroleum based plastics. Another significant advantage of new materials is that they can adapt to a wider temperature range. Researchers have found that this material can survive at temperatures ranging from minus 130 degrees Celsius to 250 degrees Celsius. Traditional plastics often soften at high temperatures, limiting their practicality. Although this material is stronger than traditional plastic, it is also sustainable and environmentally friendly. It is currently unclear when or if this new material will be commercialized.

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