Plastic from Pine Sap

Feb-26-13 A team from the University of South Carolina is researching ways of making biodegradable plastics from pine sap.

Led by Chuanbing Tang, the research group has been studying the natural resins of trees, particularly evergreens. The rosin and turpentine that can be derived from these trees is rich in hydrocarbons similar to some components of petroleum. These hydrocarbon-rich materials can be converted into plastics through polymerization, but the process for creating plastics from petroleum is much more developed than any current processes using renewable sources.

According to Tang: "If we can establish clear structure-property relationships, we will be able to achieve the kinds of results we now get from polymers made from petroleum."

Image: Pontus Edenberg

More Info about this Invention:

[INHABITAT.COM]
[SCIENCE DAILY]

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