It was possible to create a new type of plastic that breaks down and regenerates almost instantly.

plastic problem

Modern plastic has now become a big problem for ecologists and scientists looking for efficient and fast ways to recycle it. And all because this material has incredibly strong chemical bonds between monomers.

These particles form strong covalent bonds, and scientists are now working on a new material that lacks such bonds, but is also strong enough and suitable for use.

New development

Using the liquid-liquid phase separation method, researchers from the University of Turku have developed a supramolecular plastic with mechanical strength properties equal to conventional plastic.

Ecological supramolecular plastic is suitable for repeated use and if the water content is selected correctly, it turns into an adhesive and even recovers itself immediately after damage. This material contains high strength non-covalent bonds that allow it to degrade rapidly after use and turn into a reusable raw material.

It is interesting that plastic gains elastic and deformable properties at low water content, turns into adhesive at high water content, and gains instant recovery even if it breaks down.

Compared with traditional plastics, our new supramolecular plastic is smarter because it not only maintains high mechanical strength, but also gains dynamic and reversible properties that make this material self-healing and reusable.
– explained project manager Yu Jingjing.

Self-healing plastics have great potential and could be used in the future to make car paints, smartphone cases, and batteries that will self-heal scratches and cracks.