Eco Factor: Biodegradable Styrofoam made from eco-friendly materials.
In an effort to replace petroleum-driven Styrofoam, researchers at the Case Western Reserve University in Ohio have devised a recipe to make biodegradable Styrofoam from milk and clay. The scientists took the cow milk protein casein and strengthened it with clay and glyceraldehyde. The three ingredients were blended and freeze dried to make an aerogel, which was later baked in the oven.
According to the researchers, the foam-like material is strong enough for commercial uses and a third of it is biodegraded within a month’s time. Different variants of the material can be used in insulation, packaging, furniture and even cushions.
Via: Discovery News
