TAGS: Biobased Solutions
Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Hydra Marine Sciences GmbH, together with other partners, want to develop bio-based plastics that biodegrade in the sea. The researchers create different demonstrator components and check their degradation behavior. The materials would be an alternative to products whose entry into the sea cannot always be avoided, for example in fisheries.
Finding Solution Strategies for Marine Litter
Marine Litter - solid waste marine pollution - is an increasing, "creeping" pollution. It is estimated that 10 million tons of waste are released into the oceans each year, about 70 percent of which is plastics.
"Of course, waste reduction is the top priority as a solution strategy, but there are areas where plastic inputs cannot be completely avoided, for example in fisheries and aquaculture. Here, polymers that degrade in the sea would be sensible, "explains project leader Professor Hans-Josef Endres.
Developing Marine-degradable Injection Molding Components
In the project with the abbreviation MabiKu (marine biodegradable, bio-based plastics), the researchers are focusing primarily on the coastal German North Sea and Baltic Sea. In a first step, they identify plastic products that often land there unintentionally.
For example, it is planned to develop a fiber material for bio-based nets or a so-called "Dolly Rope" together with the manufacturer Engel-Netze GmbH - an abrasion protection mat for bottom fishing. These mats protect the net, but quickly fray or break off due to contact with the ground. The fine, loose threads from the mats are fatal to many animals. In addition, the team wants to work on marine-degradable injection molding components and films for packaging.
The particularly promising materials are optimized, for example, combined to novel blends or enriched with fillers and processed into demonstrator products of different dimensions. In addition to the fibers and foils, a compact injection molding component is also planned. These demonstrators then subject the researchers to marine degradation testing again.
Material Mix that only Disintegrate when it Becomes "Marine Waste"
A special challenge is to choose the material mix in such a way that the products in the use phase fulfill their original purpose for as long and well as possible and only disintegrate when they have become "marine waste". This is particularly difficult for products that are also used in the sea as intended, such as fishing nets.
"Here, for example, coatings that give up their protective function only after prolonged contact with water or the ground can be a possible technical approach," explains Endres.
However, MabiKu's overriding goals, which will not be fully achieved over the three-year period, are the establishment of an officially recognized certification method for the marine degradation of biopolymers and the launch of the first corresponding products. The project partners and also the certifier DIN CERTCO want to continue working on this after the end of the project.
Source: The Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR)