Researchers from the IPE Created Glass that Naturally Decomposes
Colin Smith — April 6, 2023 — Eco
References: english.ipes.cn & springwise
Researchers from the Institute of Process Engineering (IPE) at the Chineses Academy of Sciences (CAS) created a glass sheet out of biodegradable materials. Whereas traditional glass is made out of raw materials such as sand and limestone that are then blasted at high temperatures, the IPE's biodegradable glass is made out of biologically-derived amino acids and peptides. These materials result in a sustainable glass alternative that is both biodegradable and recyclable.
The team faced several barriers in creating this material, most importantly the fact that the amino acids and peptides break down at high temperatures, and glass requires high temperatures to form. The team of researchers chemically modified the natural materials to make them melt before they decompose, which allowed them to quickly melt then pressure cool the materials to form glass sheets. On top of this, the glass sheets formed in this way have a comparable appearance and durability level to traditional glass.
Image Credit: Shutterstock
The team faced several barriers in creating this material, most importantly the fact that the amino acids and peptides break down at high temperatures, and glass requires high temperatures to form. The team of researchers chemically modified the natural materials to make them melt before they decompose, which allowed them to quickly melt then pressure cool the materials to form glass sheets. On top of this, the glass sheets formed in this way have a comparable appearance and durability level to traditional glass.
Image Credit: Shutterstock
Trend Themes
1. Biodegradable Materials - Explore using biologically-derived materials, such as amino acids and peptides, to create sustainable alternatives to traditional products.
2. Chemical Modification - Investigate using chemical modification techniques to make organic materials melt and form new materials without decomposing.
3. Recyclable Materials - Focus on developing materials that are not only biodegradable, but also recyclable, to reduce waste and create more sustainable business practices.
Industry Implications
1. Glass Manufacturing - Implement biodegradable glass materials as a more sustainable option for traditional glass manufacturing.
2. Packaging - Apply biodegradable, melt-formed materials as an alternative to single-use plastic packaging in various industries, including food and beverage, cosmetics, and more.
3. Construction - Consider the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials, such as the biodegradable glass created by IPE, in the construction industry to promote sustainability and reduce waste.
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