weltschmerz
Community Leader
Joined: Jul 25, 2011 13:37:39 GMT -5
Posts: 38,962
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Post by weltschmerz on Dec 30, 2018 15:25:03 GMT -5
Montreal researchers create plastic from lobster, shrimp shells Researchers at McGill University have developed a new type of durable yet biodegradable plastic from the shells of crustaceans like shrimp and lobster. Working from a Montreal lab, they have modified a substance found in crustacean shells called chitin into a polymer called chitosan, which is usually difficult to make durable or fabricate in mass quantities. Audrey Moores, an associate professor of chemistry, told CTV Montreal that their breakthrough involves making chitosan with a longer chain. The longer the molecular chain, the more robust the material, Moores said. www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/montreal-researchers-create-plastic-from-lobster-shrimp-shells-1.4234900
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sesfw
Junior Associate
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 15:45:17 GMT -5
Posts: 6,268
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Post by sesfw on Dec 30, 2018 17:52:17 GMT -5
I think it's great when it's fully developed. Something has to be done to curb the amount of plastic that is thrown away and isn't biodegradable.
Our oceans and land fills are huge dangerous dumps.
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Anne_in_VA
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:09:35 GMT -5
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Post by Anne_in_VA on Dec 31, 2018 7:20:34 GMT -5
If ans when this becomes viable, this will be great! We are drowning in non biodegradable plastic and it is killing many species on land and in the water.
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tskeeter
Junior Associate
Joined: Mar 20, 2011 19:37:45 GMT -5
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Post by tskeeter on Dec 31, 2018 13:24:26 GMT -5
I’m feeling ripped off. If we have such a large supply of shrimp and lobster that their shells are a viable alternative to plastic, why don’t shrimp and lobster cost 15 cents a pound instead of $15?
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Chocolate Lover
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 15:54:19 GMT -5
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Post by Chocolate Lover on Jan 2, 2019 12:41:00 GMT -5
As someone allergic to shrimp this give me the heebie jeebies.
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imanangel
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jun 8, 2014 12:18:00 GMT -5
Posts: 1,042
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Post by imanangel on Jan 2, 2019 12:50:34 GMT -5
As someone allergic to shrimp this give me the heebie jeebies. Yeah, I wondered about this. My son has a shellfish allergy. I wonder how it would work for someone with that....
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Chocolate Lover
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 15:54:19 GMT -5
Posts: 23,200
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Post by Chocolate Lover on Jan 2, 2019 12:55:45 GMT -5
As someone allergic to shrimp this give me the heebie jeebies. Yeah, I wondered about this. My son has a shellfish allergy. I wonder how it would work for someone with that.... I admit I didn't read the article, but I can just see having to check all plastic containers for shellfish warnings.
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weltschmerz
Community Leader
Joined: Jul 25, 2011 13:37:39 GMT -5
Posts: 38,962
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Post by weltschmerz on Jan 2, 2019 13:51:36 GMT -5
Chitosan can be obtained from shrimp shells, which are usually discarded, but also used to manufacture makeup and fertilizer. Fortunately, people with shellfish allergies don't seem to react to chitosan, according to a study of chitosan-coated bandages. www.popsci.com/article/science/plastic-made-shrimp-shells
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Chocolate Lover
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 15:54:19 GMT -5
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Post by Chocolate Lover on Jan 2, 2019 14:10:23 GMT -5
Just come in here with all your facts and ruin all my fun Seriously though, good to know.
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weltschmerz
Community Leader
Joined: Jul 25, 2011 13:37:39 GMT -5
Posts: 38,962
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Post by weltschmerz on Jan 2, 2019 15:32:53 GMT -5
Just come in here with all your facts and ruin all my fun Seriously though, good to know. Sorry.
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