Argentina successfully invented plastic from corn and cassava

Scientists from Polymer and Composite Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Buenos Aires (UBA) and Institute of Materials Science and Technology Research (Intema) of Mar del Plata University of Argentina have both invented a plastic film from corn and cassava starch is capable of biodegradable, non-toxic to the environment and low production costs.

A kind of plastic film made from corn. (Internet photo)

Physicist Silvia Goyanes , the head of the project, said it was a combination of cassava starch with corn starch nanoparticles to create a plastic capable of similar to traditional kitchen films. New patent plastics have high softness and waterproof ability.

The invention of Argentine scientists has been awarded the Latin American Award for Innovation and Innovation in the field of products and services.

According to Goyanes , new types of plastic films have applications such as common plastic wrap such as for food packaging, medical products, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Furthermore, the new product is capable of carrying 5kg weight and this means it can be used to make grocery bags.

While not yet conducting studies to determine if it is safe to use on food, Goyal says that all ingredients used in its production are edible.

For scientists, inventions are not only revolutionary to the environment but also bring high economic benefits.

According to statistics, every year, the world uses millions of containers of wrapping paper and plastic bags to pollute the environment because it is produced from oil - a material that is not renewable and takes decades to decompose.