Blowing in the wind, humble balloon gets green makeover
A global symbol of parties and celebrations but an environmental headache, the humble balloon is undergoing a green revolution thanks to U. K. researchers.
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- Em foco: A global symbol of parties and celebrations but an environmental headache, the humble balloon is undergoing a green revolution thanks to U
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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Add as preferred source Bioloon CEO Charlotte Melia holds a sample of biodegradable rubber, which researchers say will biodegrade in nine months.
Researchers at Imperial College London say they have developed the first fully biodegradable balloon and hope to bring it to market within two years. Student at the university and co-creator of the "Bioloon," a 100% biodegradable balloon.
In a university laboratory, the 29-year-old proudly showed AFP a flask containing a precious yellow liquid. Once solidified, it becomes a soft, elastic material with a texture comparable to that of a conventional balloon.
I was a party planner for over 10 years and. Melia and an associate decided to put up £30, 000 ($41, 000) to help fund Cumming's doctoral research.
But a number of studies have documented the dangers posed by balloons once they end up in nature, particularly for marine life and birds. A 2019 study by the University of Tasmania, published in Scientific Reports, found balloons were "the highest-risk plastic debris item" for seabirds, carrying a mortality risk 32 times higher than that from ingesting hard plastics.
Imperial College's Department of Chemical Engineering estimates that between 20 billion and 25 billion balloons are purchased worldwide every year.
Fonte original: Phys. org Chemistry