Researchers from the University of Queensland are using 3D printing to develop seawater-degradable plastic that could help curb ocean waste.
Dr Ruirui Qiao from the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology at the University of Queensland and her team are refining novel polymerisation techniques to create affordable biodegradable plastic to replace existing products.
Using 3D printing techniques developed by Dr Qiao’s research at AIBN and polymeric materials produced by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the research team seeks to develop a range of high-value, customised seawater-degradable plastics.
The collaboration will use a technique called ring-opening polymerisation to precisely control the mechanical strength and shape of the plastics while giving the plastic a low-toxic polyester backbone. This will enable the material to break down to a molecular state in marine environments.
As part of the project, Qiao collaborated with AIBN colleague Professor Tom Davis, along with Professor Xuan Pang and Professor Xuesi Chen from the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry.
The project has secured $125,000 from the Queensland-Chinese Academy of Sciences Collaborative Science Fund, which will accelerate work on the project over the next two years.
“Our oceans are being clogged by long-lasting plastic containers, bags and even microplastics – which pose a significant threat to ecosystems including millions of seabirds and mammals,” Qiao said.
“Awareness of the problem has risen in the past few years, but the sheer volume of waste going into the water means we need to find new solution,” she added.
Qiao said the project aims to commercialise a new range of products in Australia and China within the next five years that will replace traditional plastics and tap into a biodegradable market, which is anticipated to grow to $9.5 billion by that time.
“Effective seawater-degradable polymer plastics will reduce plastic debris in oceans, boosting the health of ecosystems and the quality of life in communities around the world,” Qiao said.
“We are also fostering collaboration between research groups in Queensland and China to further our strengths in polymer science and additive manufacturing.”
