WashU engineers create plant-based coating to replace forever chemicals
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a new waterproofing material made from lignin that can replace polyfluoroalkyl substances.
New material uses plant waste
The team turned to lignin, which is abundant plant waste material, to create an alternative. They combined this substance with fatty acids to form a viable replacement called SLIP. This process transforms what was previously discarded into a valuable product for manufacturing.
Coating meets safety needs
The new coating provides fire protection and waterproofing similar to current polyfluoroalkyl substances. It addresses the economic burden these chemicals place on human health and the environment. The material remains affordable while offering a sustainable option for modern manufacturing.
Reported by one outlet
Only one outlet has published this. Nothing here has been checked against a second report, so read it as that outlet's account and follow the link below for the original.
Reported by
1 independent outlet. Headline as published. Links open the original report.