Researchers at Northeast Forestry University in Harbin, China, have developed a bamboo-based material that retains all the advantages of traditional plastics. Unlike conventional polymers, it is highly environmentally friendly, decomposing in soil in just 50 days.
Traditional bamboo composite products, such as tableware, are not entirely environmentally friendly. They contain epoxy or polymer matrices, making them virtually impossible to recycle. A new technology addresses this issue by converting bamboo cellulose itself into plastic without the addition of harmful binders.
The method is based on so-called solvent molecular engineering. First, bamboo cellulose is dissolved in a non-toxic alcohol solvent, then its molecules are compressed to form a strong matrix. This plastic can be produced in large sheets and molded into any shape.
The bamboo plastic exhibits higher tensile strength and fracture resistance than traditional plastics. Most importantly, the material can be recycled in a closed-loop manner, retaining up to 90% of its original strength. Scientists call this a significant step towards developing a sustainable alternative to petrochemical polymers.
