Researchs make a new kind of plastic from crustacean and insect shells
Thomas Di Nardo (MSc) and Audrey Moores discovered a new method, based on mechanochemistry and aging, allowing to turn chitin into a new, long molecular weight chitosan. This new material has interesting mechanical properties and is envisaged for applications to biomedical, food packaging and high value fibers. This discovery was covered in a number of news outlets:
Research highlight in the Portland Herald Press “Researchers find new way to convert lobster shells into plastic, and it’s not too hard”, Dec. 8 2018.
Interview “Faire du plastique avec des carapaces de crustacés” at Au Coeur du Monde, Maude Rivard, Gaspé, Quebec, ICI Radio Canada, Nov. 28 2018 (at 17:18) - French
Research highlight in CBC.ca, "McGill researchers use lobster shells to make biodegradeable plastic", Nov. 27 2018
Interview “Fabriquer des sacs de plastique biodégradables en poudre de crustacés” at L’Heure de l’Est, Richard Daigle, Rimousky, Quebec, ICI Radio Canada, Nov. 26 2018 (at 17:36) - French
Interview at Salut Bonjour, Gino Chouinard, TVA, Épisode du 26 novembre 2018, Nov. 26 2018 (from hour 1:45) - French
Research highlight in Le Devoir, "Des crustacés pour faire du plastique", Nov. 26 2018 - French
Photo: Thomas Di Nardo, now RA at McGill University, shows chitinous shells. The process could turn waste lobster shells into biodegradable plastic. Photo by Jessica Goodsell for McGill University