Japanese chemists make plastic from water and mud

In January, top science journals Nature and New Scientist reported the invention of a new type of plastic, made by mixing clay and water. The new material, which has been nicknamed “smart mud”, was made by a Japanese research team, led by award-winning chemist professor Takuzo Aida. In a simple reaction, which takes less than a minute, the chemists have succeeded in making what can be viewed as the world’s first “green” plastic.

Conventional plastic is made using oil, and with experts warning us that this non-renewable resource will run dry in the next 40 years or so, there is an aching need for alternatives. It seems the first step towards this goal has now been taken.

The new plastic is based on a water-based gel, also called a hydrogel. This novel substance is not much different from plastic as we know, namely elasticity, transparency and strength. What’s more, it is remarkably simple to produce, and it forms in the matter of seconds. The hydrogel is made by mixing 2-3 grams of clay in half a glass of water, with tiny amounts of so-called “molecular glue” and sodium polyacrylate, thrown in. Clay is naturally found as a mineral salt formed of several layers. In the hydrogel, the layers are stuck together by the molecular glue. The sodium polyacrylate is added to absorb as much water as possible, as it can soak up up to 300 times its own weight in water. That’s the same as you trying to support three elephants on your shoulders!

The new plastic offers many advantages to conventional plastic, including an array of environmentally friendly qualities. The hydrogel is degradable and does not require any recycling facilities. Also, with the majority of the gel being clay and water, the material are generally safe. The organic compound, known as “glue” that holds the gel together, has even been approved by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Meanwhile, sodium polyacrylate is conventionally used in baby diapers as a urine-absorbant powder, and is not classified as hazardous.

The elegant simplicity of the manufacturing process means that “smart mud” could potentially be made by anyone, without any knowledge in chemistry. This means it can be feasibly produced, even in developing nations lacking industrial facilities.

The new plastic promises to provide hope into a political climate where an “oil crisis” is at hand, and green solutions are at high demand.

This article was also published on the Student Direct : Mancunion website.