Scientists promise eco-friendly polythene

PATIALA: Researchers at Thapar University, Patiala, claim to have found the key to producing eco-friendly polythene. Due to concerns over its environmental impact, state governments and municipalities across India have been forced to ban use of polythene bags. This may change as the new polythene would be biodegradable, the group of scientists says.
Once thrown after its use, such a type of material would be automatically destroyed by the bacteria present in soil and environment. "Polythene bags are made of a specific type of polymers. Prerequisite for bacteria to attack polythene is that it should some moisture content in it. The polythene as of now is water-repellent in nature. Therefore, what all we need is to add those materials into such polymers, which are not water resistant and subsequently help in creating moisture content in polythene structure," said Prof Pramod Bajpai, distinguished professor in department of chemical engineering. Prof Bajpai, along with associate professor Haripada Bhunia, had led the research.
"Packaging bags are made up of polyethylene and polypropylene. We are modifying them into biodegradable products by adding substance called Poly Lactic Acid, which attracts moisture," Dr Bajpai explained, adding that the laboratory testing of new material shows that it would degrade in span of 5-6 years.
"We are in process of reducing this span. Besides, we are the first one to develop an instrument using which we can measure the biodegradability of such materials in laboratories. So far, such an instrument was not available," he said.
Two PhD and seven MTech thesis have been written on this subject so far in the university. The project was begun with grant of just Rs 12 lakh, provided by All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE).
"However, impressed by the results, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) provided further provided grant of Rs 25 lakh around five years ago. Last year, the project got a fillip with grant of Rs 25 lakh from Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC)," Prof Bajpai added.
Asked whether Thapar scientists were the first one to develop such polymers in India, Dr Bajpai said, "Scientists at some other institutes are also working on this subject. However, everybody is applying his or her own method. But the success we have achieved so far is convincing."