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Researchers from Bata University have created a unique and durable polymer. Surprisingly, it is based on xylose - the second most common sugar in nature. The new organic material opens up boundless possibilities. It significantly reduces dependence on oil-based raw materials and allows for controlling properties to make the material both crystalline and flexible, as reported by "Ecology of Regions."
This type of polymer can be used in various industries. Primarily, it has been used as a building block for polyurethane. It is used in the production of shoe soles and mattresses.
It can also serve as an excellent alternative to polyethylene glycol - a complex chemical compound used in biomedicine. Additionally, it can replace polyethylene used as an electrolyte in batteries. Scientists say that additional functions can be added to this new polymer. It easily combines with other chemical groups - fluorescent probes, dyes, sugar molecules.
This is important for use in biological or chemical sensors. The material developers easily produced hundreds of grams of this polymer and claimed that its production could be quickly scaled up.
One of the research authors, scientist Antoine Bushar, noted that the primary value of the new polymer lies in its environmental safety. After all, it is derived from an abundant natural resource - wood.
In recent decades, the planet's population has become dependent on the use of plastics and polymers extracted from fossil fuels that are gradually depleting. Biologically derived polymers should be considered as an alternative capable of replacing outdated materials.
Furthermore, they can be easily obtained from renewable raw materials that do not harm the environment. The new polymer is versatile. Its physical and chemical properties can be altered, allowing for the production of both crystalline and flexible materials.
