Shrilk: When Shrimps and Silk Make Plastic
Shrilk: When Shrimps and Silk Make Plastic Did you know that shrimp exoskeletons are stronger than steel? Shrimp shells can also be used to make strong, biodegradable plastic – which is exactly what scientists at the University of Central Florida have been doing for the past few years. The team has found a way to turn these small crustacean shells into a useful material, one that can be used to create various products. Because this new type of plastic is made from natural materials, it’s not only sustainable but also eco-friendly. Keep reading to learn more about this interesting research! Why Shrimp Shells? First, let’s find out why shrimp shells are such an attractive material for plastic making. Shrimp are abundant and renewable: We can harvest shrimp and then recycle their shells as many times as we want. Shrimp shells are naturally porous: This makes them an excellent material for biodegradable plastic, which needs to be able to break down in the environment. Shrimp shel...