In terms of strength, this plastic is as strong as traditional petroleum-based plastic.
Japanese scientists have developed a revolutionary plastic that completely dissolves in seawater within a few hours and leaves no harmful residue.
This plastic completely dissolves in salt water within an hour, as demonstrated in an experimental demonstration in the city of Wako near Tokyo.
Furthermore, this plastic does not turn into microplastics after dissolution, but breaks down into components that can be further dissolved by natural bacteria.
In terms of strength, this plastic is as strong as traditional petroleum-based plastic but is non-toxic, non-flammable and does not emit carbon dioxide. In the ground, this plastic completely dissolves in about 10 days and in the process releases nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen that can be used as fertilizer.
This plastic is made by combining two ionic monomers, sodium hexametaphosphate and guanidinium ion-based monomers. The “salt bridges” that form between them give the plastic strength and flexibility, but in salt water these bonds break, causing the plastic to dissolve.
