We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessing the Performance and Biodegradability of Sargassum sp. Bioplastics as an Alternative to Conventional Plastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers produced bioplastic films from Sargassum seaweed abundant along Malaysian coastlines and found the material outperformed synthetic plastic in strain endurance and decomposed fully in soil within 28 days, though its extreme water absorption (exceeding 1000%) due to alginate's hydrophilic nature remains a barrier to practical applications.
The increasing environmental concerns associated with conventional plastics have driven the search for sustainable alternatives. This study explores the potential of Sargassum sp., a brown seaweed as a raw material for bioplastic production. Sargassum sp. is abundant in west ocean in Malaysia, renewable and often considered a waste material in coastal areas, making it an attractive candidate for sustainable applications. The research focuses on assessing the performance and environmental impact of bioplastics derived from Sargassum sp. compared to conventional petroleum based plastics. The methodology includes the collection and preparation of Sargassum sp. samples, bioplastics synthesis through extraction and formulation techniques and evaluation of mechanical, thermal, and physical properties. Additionally, a comprehensive environmental impact assessment is conducted using an emphasizing biodegradability. The performance of Sargassum sp. bioplastics is benchmarked against standard plastics to determine their suitability for practical applications. The bioplastic samples also endured longer loading durations (up to 468.0 seconds), indicating better strain endurance compared to synthetic plastic, which failed as early as 216.0 seconds. This highlights the superior mechanical performance of the bioplastic. The bioplastic exhibited excellent biodegradability, fully decomposing within 28 days in soil, but showed extremely high water absorption exceeding 1000%, attributed to the hydrophilic nature of alginate. This research highlights the potential of utilizing marine biomass to address plastic pollution while promoting sustainable material development. The outcomes aim to contribute to the advancement of eco-friendly alternatives towards reducing reliance on conventional plastics.
More Papers Like This
Sargassum-Derived Bioplastic for Sustainable Packaging: Evaluation of Mechanical, Thermal, and Barrier Properties
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists turned Sargassum seaweed—an overabundant coastal nuisance—into a sturdy, flexible bioplastic that fully breaks down in soil within just 30 days, unlike regular plastic that can linger for centuries. This matters because everyday plastic packaging sheds microplastics that end up in our food, water, and bodies; swapping to seaweed-based alternatives could shrink that exposure while also giving a useful purpose to seaweed blooms that otherwise pile up on beaches. More testing is still needed before this material shows up on store shelves, but it's a promising step toward safer, less polluting
The environmental impact and economic feasibility assessment of composite calcium alginate bioplastics derived from Sargassum
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the environmental impact and economic feasibility of producing calcium alginate bioplastics from Sargassum seaweed, presenting a novel approach that could address both plastic pollution and invasive seaweed problems in the Caribbean.
Sifat Fisik dan Mekanik Bioplastik Komposit dari Alginat dan Karagenan
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a bioplastic composite from alginate and carrageenan — both derived from seaweed — and tested how varying carrageenan content affected its physical and mechanical properties. Higher carrageenan content improved strength and flexibility. Seaweed-based bioplastics could replace conventional plastics in packaging applications while reducing plastic pollution.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bioplastic from Macroalgae Padina australis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers produced bioplastic from the brown macroalgae Padina australis as an alternative to petroleum-based synthetic plastics, which are major environmental pollutants. The alginate-based bioplastic showed promising material properties, suggesting marine algae could be a sustainable raw material for reducing plastic waste.
Eco-Friendly Bioplastic Material Development Via Sustainable Seaweed Biocomposite
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a seaweed-based bioplastic film using Gracilaria edulis algae combined with starch, glycerol, and chitosan. The resulting material showed mechanical properties comparable to starch-based commercial plastics, good biodegradability, and compostability, and showed potential for use in low-moisture food packaging. This work contributes to the effort to replace petroleum-based plastics with renewable alternatives that break down in the environment rather than persisting as microplastic pollution.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.