Boston University’s researchers developed a durable adhesive that can be used in a single year. Photo credit: Cydney Scott for Boston University Photography. Researchers from Boston University developed a biodegradable adhesive that is made with naturally-derived biopolymers as well as carbon dioxide. It can be used in dry or wet environments. It is more eco-friendly than conventional adhesives, which can cause chemical reactions to break down. A team of researchers set out to develop an adhesive system made of biodegradable plastics that can stick to any material as well or better than the current market-placed products. Mark Grinstaff is a Professor of Translational Research at Boston University and a Professor of Chemistry. He says that the new adhesive system will replace non-degradable materials with one that’s better for the environment, while maintaining the performance properties we want. Grinstaff says, “We can have both. We just need to be smart about what we do.” It is made up of eco-friendly building blocks, and uses carbon dioxide sequestration methods. Researchers claim it is safe for the environment, has a range of peel strengths, including scotch tape and hot-melt glue wood-glue. It also adheres well to metals, glass and wood surfaces. You can adjust the amount of CO2 and polymers to alter the stickiness of the substance. Anjeza Begharaj is an organic chemist who obtained her doctorate while working at the Grinstaff group. She explained that she wanted the substance to behave like paint binders. Carbon dioxide is the key ingredient in the new adhesive. About 20 to 40% of adhesive are made of this compound. Carbon dioxide is the key ingredient of this adhesive. It makes up about 20 to 40 percent. This material can repurpose carbon dioxide which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. There’s also the potential for oil production and refineries to use the gas to make environmentally-friendly polymers. It’s both a win-win for the environment as well as a win-win for consumers, since it could potentially lower the cost of goods because CO2 is an inexpensive raw material.” she said. Researchers claim that the adhesive will only take one year to completely break down in nature. Plastic takes many years to degrade. McCaslin says, “This is a good step towards making products more green, which should be a priority right now.” He’s currently working on a BA/MA biochemistry. Journal Citation Beharaj A., McCaslin E.Z. and Blessing W.A. Research by et. “Sustainable Polycarbonate Adhesives for Dry and Aqueous Conditions with Thermoresponsive Properties.” Nat Commun (2019) doi 10. 1038/s41467-019-13449-y You may be interested in: “What is pollution?” “What is global warming?”
