SCIENTIFIC EDUCATIONAL CENTER science idea

Researchers from the University of Florida have made a breakthrough in the field of environmentally friendly materials. They have discovered a new way of producing plastic based on pine sap, which has become an alternative to fossil fuels. According to the main author of the study, Justin Kennemur, this is an important step towards the development of modern polymers and the creation of new materials. Synthetic polymers have become widespread all over the world. They are made by heating substances to a state of viscosity and plasticity. In this form, they can be given any shape with the help of pressure. After cooling, the plastics turn into a solid state. The main raw materials for the production of plastic are oil, coal and natural gas, from which low-molecular substances are extracted. The problem of environmental pollution with plastic waste is becoming more and more urgent every year. In particular, this applies to large accumulations in the world's oceans, known as 5 garbage spots: 2 in the Atlantic Ocean, 2 in the Pacific and 1 in the Indian Ocean. The most common molecule obtained from pine sap is alpha-pinene. It is found in various solvents and cleaners. The lead author of the study, Mark Jarolimek, managed to modify it synthetically for the first time and obtain a compound called delta-pinene, and subsequently a polymer. The new type of plastic is a vitreous material that is resistant to high temperatures. With more significant heating, it can be melted and given the desired shape to the substance. Under environmental conditions, it cools down and turns into a hard plastic. The structural features characteristic of this material open up wide prospects for its application. 99% of the plastics currently used are made from fossil fuels. Their volume, as well as geographical availability, are significantly limited, taking into account the fact that the demand for plastics is only growing. The new method of obtaining materials is of particular interest, since the basis for them is a renewable type of resources – to get pine juice, you do not need to cut down trees. Scientists have conducted a number of studies of delta-pinene to determine how effectively the molecule turns into plastic, and whether its growth can be controlled. The problem of further application of the material is also being studied. A short shelf life is undesirable, since plastic is biodegradable. Recycling is a priority.

Photo: Obtaining plastic from pine sap in the laboratory

Source: kipmu.ru