Processing bioplastic into biosolvent. Free Technical Library News

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Processing bioplastic into biosolvent

26.05.2020

A team of scientists from the University of Birmingham has developed a fast and efficient way to convert bioplastic into a biosolvent that can be used in a wide variety of industries, including cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Bioplastics made from polylactic acid (PLA) are becoming more common in products such as disposable cups, packaging materials and even children's toys. As a rule, once they reach the end of their useful life, they are thrown into a landfill or composted, while the biodegradation process takes several months.

Scientists have proven that a chemical process using a zinc-based catalyst can be used to break down real consumer plastics and produce a green solvent called methyl lactate.

The scientists tested this method on three separate products - a disposable cup, some XNUMXD printer waste, and a children's toy. A cup has been found to be most easily converted to methyl lactate at lower temperatures, but even the bulkier plastic in a child's toy can be converted to a biosolvent, just at higher temperatures.

The chemical process was tested on 300 ml of this solution. The next stages of experimentation will include scaling up the production of the biosolvent so that it can be used in industrial settings.

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