Ultrastrong, Hydrostable, and Degradable Straws Derived from Microplastic-Free Thermoset Films for Sustainable Development.

ABSTRACT: Single-use plastics such as straws have caused intricate environmental challenges since they are not readily assimilated into nature at the end of life. Paper straws, on the contrary, become soggy and collapse in drinks resulting in an obnoxious user experience. Here, all-natural, biocompatible, degradable straws and thermoset films are engineered by integrating economical natural resources-lignin and citric acid-into edible starch and poly(vinyl alcohol), making them the casting slurry. The slurries were cast on a glass substrate, partially dried, and rolled on a Teflon rod to fabricate the straws. The straws are perfectly adhered at the edges by the strong hydrogen bonds from the crosslinker-citric acid-during drying, thus eliminating the need for adhesives and binders. Further, curing t

SUBMITTER: Agumba DO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9979226 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature