24 May 2024 --- A collaboration between researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and Yonsei University has created a novel “high-performance, sustainable” paper coating material designed to reduce microplastic pollution. The coating utilizes boric acid-crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a biodegradable plastic that is said to enhance paper’s barrier properties and strength without compromising its environmental sustainability. The researchers say the boric acid-crosslinked PVA-coated paper demonstrated “superior performance,” outperforming traditional plastic coatings in terms of barrier properties and physical strength, even in humid conditions.
