Japanese scientists created self-disassembling and self-assembling plastic

The University of Tokyo has unveiled a groundbreaking plastic material named VPR (“vitrimer incorporated with polyrotaxane”), designed to autonomously break down into its constituent elements and spontaneously recover, restoring its original form.

Composed of vitrimer epoxy resin and fortified with polyrotaxane molecules for structural reinforcement, the material demonstrated remarkable self-healing capabilities. In an experiment, researchers damaged VPR, subjected it to 150°C heat, and witnessed the material fully recovering within a minute.

This innovative material is designed to decompose entirely when its utility is exhausted, presenting a more environmentally friendly option than conventional plastics. In a seawater immersion experiment lasting 30 days, VPR broke down by 25%, offering a sustainable solution as it transformed into nourishment for marine microorganisms.