Scientists develop tougher plastics from plants

摘要

Researchers at the University of Bath (UK) and Tel Aviv University (Israel) are working on a new project to improve the properties of plastics made from plants so that they can be used in a wider variety of products, from bottles to clothes. Polylactic acid or PLA is a type of biodegradable plastic that can be made from renewable plant sources such as corn, wheat or sugar. It is currently used in bottles, bags and films, and can even be woven into fibres to make clothes in the place of polyester. The scientists are developing a new chemical catalyst to improve production of these plastics, making them stronger and more heat-resistant so they can be used for a wider range of objects such as engineering plastics for the automotive industry, microwavable trays and hot drinks cups.