Who Came Up With Biodegradable Plastics?
Author : wing Update Time：July 9, 2024
【 Abstract 】 : The concept of biodegradable plastics is not proposed by a single individual or team at once, but gradually formed with the development of science and technological progress.
The concept of biodegradable plastics is not proposed by a single individual or team at once, but gradually formed with the development of science and technological progress. Here are some of the key historical nodes and people who have made important contributions to the development of biodegradable plastics:
Early exploration
1500 BC: In Central America, the Olmec, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations have used natural rubber to make waterproof containers and clothing, which can be seen as a prototype of degradable plastic. However, its use at that time was mainly based on survival needs rather than environmental awareness.
Modern invention
1862: Alexander Parkes of the United Kingdom invents Parkesine, the first thermoplastic, made from cellulose and also a bio-based plastic. Although it was not specifically designed to be a biodegradable plastic, its biobased properties laid the foundation for later developments.
1897: German chemists invent Gallith, a biodegradable plastic made from casein (milk). The material was limited in its early days by the effects of World War I, but is still used today to make certain products (such as buttons).
Key progress
1973: British scientist Griffin proposed a method to prepare biodegradable plastics by adding natural starch to inert polyolefin as a filler, which was an important milestone in the field of biodegradable plastics.
Early 1980s: British researchers invented the extraction and purification method of polybeta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and made it into a thin film. PHB is one of the important materials in the field of biodegradable plastics.
Modern development
1990s: With the enhancement of environmental awareness and the development of science and technology, biodegradable plastics have entered an era of rapid development. A number of companies and research institutions began to invest significant resources in the development and production of biodegradable plastics.
After 2000: A number of companies (such as Dow Chemical, Cargill, etc.) and research institutions have achieved remarkable results in the field of biodegradable plastics. For example, Dow Chemical has partnered with Cargill to form NatureWorks, a company focused on the production of biodegradable plastics such as PLA.
Specific person contribution
Professor Yu Long: He successfully developed and industrialized whole-starch biodegradable materials for the first time in the world, making important contributions to the field of biodegradable plastics. His research results not only solved the technical problems of starch molecular modification to prevent brittleness, but also promoted the industrial application of whole starch biodegradable plastics.
To sum up, the proposal and development of biodegradable plastics is the result of the joint efforts of many scientists, researchers and enterprises. Through continuous exploration and innovation, they have promoted the continuous progress of biodegradable plastic technology and the expansion of the scope of application.
