Researchers have created a polymer coating for paper packaging that degrades quickly in the natural environment and does not contain harmful components.
Currently, paper cups, packagingfor juice, various boxes and other similar products are protected from external influences by means of elastic thermoplastics. The problem is that such lamination is very durable and adheres well to the surface, which prevents the paper from being recycled and damages the ecosystem if it gets into a body of water.
An alternative option isthe use of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) hazardous to human health.
Now a team from the University of Michiganproposed a completely safe way to protect paper products. Scientists have developed a coating made up of biocompatible and biodegradable components. It contains contact lens oil, polyvinyl alcohol and a starch-like polymer derived from shellfish.
The new coating has a low costproduction, is not plastic, protects paper well from external influences and decomposes in natural conditions into water, carbon dioxide and other neutral substances. Since it is not as elastic as thermoplastics, it can be easily removed from the surface by simply softening the paper.
We also previously reported that the Coca-Cola Company has already begun testing a prototype of its first paper bottle.
</p>Read this:
Invented a new antimicrobial coating that kills 99.9% of pathogens
Scientists have created a nanodevice that can see through walls
Scientists have come up with a way to print paper speakers for low-cost surround sound systems
Scientists have created a thermoelectric ring that generates energy from body heat
Scientists have created a 'Faraday fabric' that blocks more than 99.9% of electromagnetic waves
Scientists have created a “paper” of pollen that changes shape in response to external stimuli