"Scientists mixed crushed pine nut shells into a composition with polyethylene, cast samples and checked the properties of the resulting products (bags, containers). Then the sample lay in the ground for three months and about 10% of its mass settled. That is, in about two years, this sample would have completely disintegrated. At the same time, ordinary plastic bags decompose for more than 100 years," commented Angelina Vetoshkina, one of the development scientists, a student KuzSTU.
Kuzbass scientists managed to achieve such results with a share of processed nut shells in the total mass of polymer material of only 10%. Other biodegradable waste was previously experimentally used in the production of plastic, but they significantly degraded the properties of the pure polymer. Agricultural waste from forestry is more relevant.
In the future, scientists plan to implement the results of research at a plant that processes nuts. Previously, the shell was burned.
Currently, scientists are conducting a new experiment, they have increased the share of agricultural waste in the material to 40%. The rate of decomposition of such material will be even higher. If it retains its strength, it can also be used in the production of bags, plastic tableware or packaging.