A group of researchers from Osaka University in Japan have used a technique known as planetary ball-milling to develop new eco-friendly polymer materials. According to the researchers, these materials are recyclable, tough and self-healing.
Eurekalert reported on the findings, which were originally shared in journal Advanced Materials.
The researchers in Japan were looking at ways that they could increase the functional lifetime of manufactured plastics, with the intention of preventing so much of the material from ending up in the natural environment.
Junsu Park, lead author of the study, explained that they tried three different mixing methods to create the new material: conventional casting, planetary kneading and ball-milling.
It was the latter technique that proved most effective. “Ball-milling disentangles the polymer chains in the materials and increases their mobility while facilitating their reformation,” Mr Park explained.
Yoshinori Takashima, senior author on the study, revealed that these tougher materials are able to retain their properties better when they are recycled, which will extend their lifespan. They could also have applications for robots, vehicles and even artificial skin for prostheses due to their unique biometric properties, he added.
There is certainly much to be done to stem the flow of plastic waste into the environment and our landfill sites. As an article for the European Environment Agency recently noted, there also needs to be better awareness among consumers about how different kinds of plastic waste can be disposed of.
It highlighted biodegradable and compostable plastic products in particular, noting that these typically need to be subjected to conditions in an industrial composter in order to break down as intended.
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