Scientists create plastic that degrades 15 times faster than paper in the sea

[searcher]

In a 36-week test, CDA foam lost 65-70% of its mass in flowing seawater, while Styrofoam showed zero degradation.

Innovative plastic degrades 15 times faster than paper in the sea

WHOI researchers discovered that foamed CDA, a bioplastic, degrades 15 times faster in seawater, making it the fastest degrading plastic in marine environments.

interestingengineering.com

 

[nickndfl]

I have used some of the more organic plastics and none of them are as practical because of unexpected consequences. Some of the plastic is currently used in food packaging in Europe, but when not stored under ideal conditions quickly breaks down and causes spoilage. Then there is the issue of organic plastic used in automobile wiring that rats and other critters like to eat causing $1000s in replacement damages.

 

[pmbug]

If used for food packaging, I'd be concerned about it leaching chemicals into the food as it degrades. I wonder what use cases a plastic that is so fragile in wet environs really has...