Japanese scientists create plastic that dissolves in salt water

Our concern about plastic is immense! Despite numerous warnings from environmentally conscious individuals, the public continues to use plastic without regard for the environment’s health. Not only do we use it, but we also throw it away wherever we go.

We have no idea how much pollution will spread from there and ultimately harm us. Especially when we see the plastic pictures on the seashore, it makes us shudder! Japanese scientists have now come up with a novel way to solve these problems. They have created a plastic that is soluble in salt water.

A team led by a Japanese scientist named Takuja Ida has been researching for a long time. Behind the creation of such plastic is actually the science of ‘supermolecules’. With the help of this, it has been possible to create plastic that dissolves very easily in salt water.

Ida said that the fragile nature of supermolecules has helped the plastic dissolve quickly in water. This is the exact opposite of the material we usually use for plastic. The new plastic will dissolve in salt water by combining with the electrolyte.

Research indicates that this plastic molecule primarily consists of two monomers instead of the polymer polyethylene. Sodium hexametaphosphate, a component of salt water, gradually breaks down the molecules of this monomer. It also dissolves in a short time.

Ordinary plastic molecules do not dissolve in any water due to their composition. Rather, they create pollution when mixed with water. That is why, if there is plastic on the beach or riverbank, pollution spreads from there.

Japanese scientists have discovered a new type of plastic that dissolves in salt water due to its molecular structure. If the use of products made of such plastic is introduced, the environment will also be saved.