A quick round up of the 5 latest innovations in plastic materials

Here is a quick summary of the 5 latest innovations in plastic materials with a link to relevant research papers / and or sources

1. Plant-based plastics

Plant-based plastics are a type of plastic made from renewable resources, such as corn starch, sugarcane, or soybeans. They are biodegradable and compostable, meaning they can break down naturally in the environment. This makes them a more sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.

One of the latest innovations in plant-based plastics is the development of a new type of plastic made from seaweed. This plastic is strong and durable, yet it can still be composted. It has the potential to be used in a wide range of applications, such as packaging, food utensils, and even medical devices.

Source: MIT News: https://www.businessinsider.com/how-seaweed-could-replace-plastic-packaging-sway-2022-12

2. Self-healing plastics

Self-healing plastics are a type of plastic that can repair itself when it is damaged. This is made possible by the addition of special chemicals to the plastic, which can migrate to the site of damage and form a new bond.

Self-healing plastics have the potential to reduce waste and extend the lifespan of plastic products. They could be used in a variety of applications, such as car bumpers, phone cases, and even medical implants.

One of the latest innovations in self-healing plastics is the development of a new type of plastic that can heal itself at room temperature. This plastic is made from a combination of polymers and nanoparticles. It has the potential to be used in a wide range of applications, such as packaging, electronics, and even aerospace.

Source: ScienceDirect: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/self-healing-polymer

3. Shape-memory plastics

Shape-memory plastics are a type of plastic that can return to its original shape after being deformed. This is made possible by the addition of special chemicals to the plastic, which can cause the plastic to shrink or expand when heated or cooled.

Shape-memory plastics have the potential to be used in a variety of applications, such as medical implants, smart clothing, and even self-deployable structures.

One of the latest innovations in shape-memory plastics is the development of a new type of plastic that can remember multiple shapes. This plastic is made from a combination of polymers and nanoparticles. It has the potential to be used in a wide range of applications, such as robotics, medical devices, and even aerospace.

Source: Nature Communications: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-34844-y

4. Conductive plastics

Conductive plastics are a type of plastic that can conduct electricity. This is made possible by the addition of conductive materials to the plastic, such as carbon nanotubes or metal flakes.

Conductive plastics have the potential to be used in a variety of applications, such as solar cells, batteries, and even electronic devices.

One of the latest innovations in conductive plastics is the development of a new type of plastic that is more conductive than traditional conductive plastics. This plastic is made from a combination of polymers and graphene. It has the potential to be used in a wide range of applications, such as electric vehicles, smart homes, and even wearable electronics.

Source: ACS Nano: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.7b00847

5. Self-cleaning plastics

Self-cleaning plastics are a type of plastic that can clean themselves. This is made possible by the addition of special chemicals to the plastic, which can break down dirt and grime when exposed to sunlight.

Self-cleaning plastics have the potential to reduce the need for cleaning products and reduce maintenance costs. They could be used in a variety of applications, such as car exteriors, solar panels, and even hospital surfaces.

One of the latest innovations in self-cleaning plastics is the development of a new type of plastic that can clean itself in the dark. This plastic is made from a combination of polymers and titanium dioxide. It has the potential to be used in a wide range of applications, such as medical devices, food packaging, and even self-cleaning clothes.

Source: Advanced Materials: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.200800791

These are just a few of the latest innovations in plastic materials. As research in this area continues, we can expect to see even more innovative and sustainable plastic materials developed in the future.