Despite environmental problems, polystyrene foam is still ubiquitous due to its wide range of uses, for example, it can protect products during transportation. But it is also made of oil, which is a limited resource. Researchers at Washington State University (WSU) announced on Thursday that they have developed a plant-based alternative material.
The researchers said: "For the first time, this material has better thermal insulation properties than polystyrene foam." The team published related research results in the "Carbohydrate Polymers" magazine this week.
Researchers at Washington State University believe that Styrofoam produces pollution when it burns and cannot naturally degrade. The new plant-based material is made of 75% cellulose nanocrystals in wood pulp, and polyvinyl alcohol is added to form a more elastic foam. Lightweight materials can withstand up to 200 times the weight without deformation.
Other researchers have previously developed similar plant-based materials. But these products do not have the thermal insulation properties, strength and durability of newly developed materials.
"Our research results demonstrate the potential of renewable materials (such as nanocellulose) in high-performance thermal insulation materials, which help to save energy, reduce the use of petroleum-based materials, and reduce the adverse impact on the environment "The project's principal researcher and mechanical engineer Amir Ameli said.
The initial research was promising, but it is still in the early stages. Scientists are now working on how to bring it from the laboratory into practical applications to create a more robust version of the material.
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