New bio-plastic decomposes rapidly in seawater, study finds

A bag made using the new material. PIC COURTESY/RIKEN

A new plastic stays strong during use, yet breaks down rapidly in natural settings without leaving microscopic debris. It uses two polymers.

One comes from carboxymethyl cellulose derived from wood-pulp. The other is made from positively charged polyethylene-imine guanidinium ions.

When mixed the negatively charged cellulose and positively charged ions attract each other, giving the plastic its strength. In salt water, those salt bridges break apart, triggering decomposition.

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