Protein-based supermaterials; the plastics in the future sustainable world

We have observed an astonishing phenomenon related to protein plastics.

When foams of these materials are exposed to very harsh conditions (150 °C in air for a month), they not only survive these conditions, they improve their mechanical properties and also become resistant to solvents/chemicals that normally degrade/dissolve them. And this is especially noticeable in protein materials containing protein nanofibrils (PNF).

We have suggested that a possible mechanism behind this is isopeptide crosslinking. However, data also shows that there must be other processes going on too.

In this project we will determine fully the mechanisms of importance for the observed behaviour, using “model” protein systems.

We will also determine how the aging-induced properties can be obtained already during the fabrication of the materials.

Preliminary data indicate that the aged proteins are still biodegradable and provide a microplastic free soil enrichment. Nevertheless, we will determine the full biodegradation kinetics.

A successful project will enable tailor-made protein plastics for a number of severe/corrosive environments, such as in filtration, thermal insulation and liquid absorption.

Compared to todays high-temperature plastics that are fossil-based, expensive and often difficult-to-produce, these protein super-plastics, will then offer cheaper sustainable (often side-stream products) solutions.