Scientists Create a New Eco-Friendly Straw Using Lignin Materials
References: pubs.acs.org & designtaxi
Scientists at the Inha University in South Korea highlight a new material known as lignin as the solution behind the issue of soggy biodegradable straws. Lignin is a type of polymer that is found in plants and trees, functioning as the supporting tissue in nature.
The team found that it can also function as a byproduct of the pulp and paper realm, which allows opportunities for it to become upcycled. To create the new straws, the scientists blended this with potato starch or plant-based polyvinyl alcohol before citric acid is added. As a result of this, the mixture is then spread out onto a thin sheet that is rolled into a cylinder and dried, creating a bioplastic tube cut up to become straws.
Image Credit: Radub85, Dreamstime.com
The team found that it can also function as a byproduct of the pulp and paper realm, which allows opportunities for it to become upcycled. To create the new straws, the scientists blended this with potato starch or plant-based polyvinyl alcohol before citric acid is added. As a result of this, the mixture is then spread out onto a thin sheet that is rolled into a cylinder and dried, creating a bioplastic tube cut up to become straws.
Image Credit: Radub85, Dreamstime.com
Trend Themes
-
Lignin-based Products — Incorporating lignin in various products to create biodegradable and sustainable alternatives.
-
Upcycling Byproducts — Transforming unused materials from different industries into valuable resources.
-
Plant-based Materials — Developing products made from renewable and environmentally friendly sources.
Industry Implications
-
Food and Beverage — Developing sustainable solutions for packaging and containers in the food and beverage industry.
-
Paper and Pulp — Exploring alternative uses for waste materials in the paper and pulp industry.
-
Plastic Manufacturing — Incorporating plant-based and biodegradable materials in the production of plastic products.
4.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
