World’s Fastest Bio-Degradable Plastic Created

World’s Fastest Bio-Degradable Plastic Created
A Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) researcher Prof. Dr Hanafi Ismail, a lecturer with the Engineering and Mineral Resources Studies Centre has produced the world’s first environmental friendly and degradable plastic.
Prof Dr Hanafi Ismail, said that the new product was produced at low cost. “Biotechnology research conducted three years ago found that plastic and rubber waste have the potential to be turned into a product based on degradable plastic which can be recycled. “Compared to other plastics, Degra-TPE, which is made from 15 per cent waste plastic and rubber, takes between three and six months to degrade due to the special additive that accelerates degradation.” he told in a press conference. Hanafi said that the cost of manufacturing TPE was 20 per cent cheaper than other plastics in the market.
Hanafi, who started the project three years ago, said the invention was to help solve the environmental problem caused by the disposal of non-degradable petroleum-derived polymers. Hanafi said the product, which could help reduce global pollution, had won the gold medal at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2008) in May. He added the product had the quality to rival plastic in the market and that it would be patented and commercialised. “A factory in Sungai Petani, Kedah is keen to commercialise the product. We are in the midst of discussion,” he said.
Source: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) & ResearchSEA