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A team of researchers from Virginia Tech has developed a fundamentally new approach to creating plastic from natural materials. They successfully produced a durable and completely recyclable material using the widely available blue-green algae, spirulina, as the primary raw material.

The key feature of this method is that the biomass is used whole, without any preliminary processing. It is mixed with synthetic components in a ball mill. The entire process takes only an hour and a half, whereas traditional laboratory methods could last up to two days.

The resulting material is distinguished not only by its durability but also by its unique ability to be fully recycled. It can not only be melted down and reformed multiple times, but it can also be completely broken down into its original chemical components and biomass, which can then be reused. This approach virtually eliminates waste generation.

The developers note that the technology can also be adapted for other types of biomass, including agricultural waste. This method represents a potential breakthrough in the fight against global pollution, as it is simple, accessible, and environmentally safe.

ORIENT

Photo: Spencer Coppage