Research group NHL Stenden and University of Groningen develops biodegradable plastic

"We have now mainly looked at the properties of the material and how it behaves in different conditions," Corniek says. Think of high temperatures and how it behaves in the molten phase. And the results are promising: "We have demonstrated for the first time that it is possible to create a strong and interesting form of plastic that is completely biodegradable. We are really a bit proud of that." 

Biodegradable and reduced CO₂ emissions

This new plastic is being developed from BHMF. This is a chemical biobased building block that can be made from sugars, for example from sugar beets or corn. It contains a polymer structure that is biodegradable. This means that fungi and bacteria are able to break down the polymer's long chains, preventing the plastic from lingering in the environment for years. A more sustainable counterpart to traditional plastics, such as PET. "However, this does not mean that it can be thrown into the environment," says Corniek, "but should it do get into nature it does not leave small plastic particles behind. This makes the plastic more environmentally friendly." This biobased plastic also reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and in addition, it can reduce the CO₂ emissions associated with traditional plastics. 

New type of plastic with potential

Although there are no concrete applications yet, Corniek sees a lot of potential in this new kind of plastic. "In agriculture, for example, we could make biodegradable coatings for seeds. This could help farmers increase their yields without leaving harmful residues behind." Much research still needs to be done anyway to really determine a clear application. "In the coming period, we will mainly be looking at how we can improve and strengthen these new plastics on both a thermal and mechanical level. And all this, of course, in light of biodegradability." 

And then the question arises: how groundbreaking are Corniek's research results really? "It is an important step we can take with this. We can now demonstrate that this type of polymer, with this structure, is biodegradable and that is really quite an interesting finding." According to Corniek, an important step has been taken in terms of a sustainable transition in the field of polymers. In turn, the research is also helping other researchers to take this further and incorporate this structure into other polymers, to make yet another polymer that may be going to be thermally and mechanically stronger. "So I definitely do think that our research results are going to be a very valuable addition in the whole process to come." An awful lot of research is being done on plastics worldwide. "I hope that the knowledge we've gained here will contribute to the research of other researchers or companies. That someone can start doing something with this. And that then in a few years several plastics will be common, which are both biodegradable, and biobased produced." 

About Corniek Post

Corniek lives in Groningen and started his PhD in the hybrid research group Hybrid research group Biopolymer & Recycling Innovations (HyBRIt) on January 1, 2022. Within this research group, Corniek is supervised by Katja Loos (University of Groningen) and by Rudy Folkersma and Vincent Voet, both from the lectureship Circular Plastics of NHL Stenden Hogeschool. Before starting his PhD, he studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Groningen. He mainly works at the lab in the Feringa Building, near the Zernike Campus in Groningen. Here he carries out syntheses, measurements and analyses, working with other students. The idea of making these polymers and testing them for biodegradability originated with Corniek himself. He is building on research that has already been carried out in the research group. The results of his research have appeared in the international journal Green Chemistry. This leading magazine has a high scientific impact. In June, he presented these results at a conference on Vlieland, where he won a prize for the best presentation.