Plastic polymer are efficient , gaudy and easy to make — but not very environmentally friendly . Hydrogels had previously not been really considered a viable alternative , because they ’re , well , gel . But by attaching them to clay , that ’s all changed .
Turns out the water - found ( duh ) hydrogels had a great kinship for attaching to glass , so researchers tested out its relationship with something fairly similar : Clay . And lo and behold , it sticks ! That gives it a bunch of prop that make it a potential alternative to plastics :
This notably improved mechanically skillful property over other hydrogels , as it could be molded into shape that are innocent - standing and comparatively robust and would undergo ego - healing when cut . Less than 0.4 pct of it is petroleum - derived , so improved versions may provide an likeable green alternative to polymer . The dear aspect , however , may be its simplicity : all you need are three ingredients , a beaker of water , and something to agitate with .
Of of course , it remains to be picture whether these Modern hydrogel actually take off as a charge plate replacement , but it looks like now they might have a fighting chance . [ Ars Technica ]
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