Entry #4 : Water Soluble Plastic Bag.

UTP Reseachers Produce Water Soluble Plastic Bag

Source: Utusan Malaysia Online (www.utusan.com.my)

Published 3rd September 2008

Another Malaysian product that can be proud of, Greenphylic, a soluble plastic bag. Invented by a group of researchers in Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP). It will be patented soon and Petronas will take the lead to produce it replacing other plastic bags usage in the world. It ‘s main substance is Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), which has excellent film forming, emulsifying and adhesive properties. It is also resistant to oil, grease and solvent. It is odorless and nontoxic. It has high tensile strength and flexibility, as well as high oxygen and aroma barrier properties. However these properties are dependent on humidity, in other words, with higher humidity more water is absorbed. The water, which acts as a plasticizer, will then reduce its tensile strength, but increase its elongation and tear strength. PVA is fully degradable and is a quick dissolver. PVA has a melting point of 230°C and 180–190°C for the fully hydrolysed and partially hydrolysed grades. It decomposes rapidly above 200°C as it can undergo pyrolysis at high temperatures. PVA is an atatic material but exhibits crystallinity as the hydroxyl groups are small enough to fit into the lattice without disrupting it. (Source: wikipedia.com)

From the article, the plastic bags will dissolved in water after some period so our waste will be less of plastics. The Greenphylic has been tested for melting point, stress and tension test and water solubility test. By using these plastic bags, we will save cost and time on waste management. In terms of environmental impact, there will be a reduce number in the animal death that cause by plastic bag choking. We often read the news, marine life for example turtles were dead because of choke by plastic bags, thrown by tourists at some places. Though the number is small but by saving their life will keep the population from decreasing. Drainage system also can be improved since the plastic bags will dissolve in water, there will be no more blockage, so the waste water or river water will not spill out and cause flood.

But as for me, recycle bag such as what Jaya Jusco supermarket do is more convenient because we can recycle the bag and can be use many times compare to this plastic bag. By using the recycle bag, more cost can be saved and obviously our environment can be saved as well.