Work

Amorphous Sugar Materials as Sustainable and Scalable Alternatives for Rigid, Short-Term-Use Products

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Plastics are the prevailing materials for short-term-use applications, despite being designed to last far longer than often is needed or desired. This article describes a class of materials that are formed from small-molecule sugars, rather than polymers, as a scalable and environmentally friendly replacement for rigid thermoplastics for short-term-use applications. The materials use amorphous isomalt as a matrix and natural additives to tune the mechanical properties. Like plastics, this class of materials is lightweight and can be produced efficiently at low temperatures via injection molding, yet the materials emulate the rigidity and strength of ceramics and stones. Repeated recycling is achieved via a closed-loop process without degradation of the isomalt binder and without loss of mechanical properties. Finally, these materials are resistant to water for hours when coated, yet ultimately dissolve within minutes when broken, with the resulting products being nontoxic small-molecule and degradable bio-based materials. This combination of traits makes amorphous isomalt materials suitable as an alternative to persistent plastics in short-term-use applications.

Source: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering

DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c06981

Authors: Terra Miller-Cassman, Kyle A. Nogales, Scott T. Phillips

Institution: Boise State University

Language: English

Topic: biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,000