From Seaweed to Bioplastics
Project Motivation
Over-reliance on single-use plastics causes many serious environmental problems such as pollution of oceans, contamination of food and water supplies, and carbon emissions from incineration of plastic waste. Since plastics do not biodegrade, they persist in the environment for hundreds of years and leach out toxic contaminants. Biodegradable plastics such as those made of polylactic acid have seen limited success in permeating the market due to challenges related to sustainability of the feedstock and unsatisfactory properties, which limit their applications and widespread adoption.
Design Solution
In this project, biodegradable alginate bioplastic was developed as a sustainable and viable alternative for single-use applications. Numerous tests were conducted to improve the mechanical properties of the alginate bioplastic through modification of the crosslinking agent, optimization of different gelation processes and film forming conditions, as well as utilization of polymer blends to extend their applications in packaging. With further research and development, the novel product has very promising potential for adoption in many different applications.
Awards
- College of Design and Engineering Innovation & Research Award (High Achievement) 2022
- NUS Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Prize 2022
Project Team
Students:
- Ke Yi Min (Materials Science & Engineering, Class of 2022)
- Lai Nai Yi (Materials Science & Engineering, Class of 2022)
- Teo Wee Tin (Materials Science & Engineering, Class of 2022)
Supervisor:
- Assoc Prof Tong Yen Wah (chetyw@nus.edu.sg)