The production of biodegradable plastics based on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) can replace traditional plastics, that have an increasing impact on the environment.
“PHA can be synthesized by bacteria from plant materials, and it decomposes naturally in the environment after using. Many companies are already starting an industrial production of PHA”, as reported in https://hightech.plus/.
Researchers at an American university have proposed a new chemical route for faster and cheaper production of PHA. It is based on the use of a new catalyst that stimulates the polymerization of monomers from sources of biological origin. Laboratory researches have confirmed that PHA that have been produced is sufficient ductile. If necessary, its properties and structure can be adjusted. Such features have already ensured the success of traditional plastics once.
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