A researcher and senior lecturer in the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Department of Chemistry, Dr Julia Puseletso Mofokeng, is contributing to the fight against plastic pollution.
She is hoping her research into how biodegradable polymers can influence the industry and policymakers to enforce the use of biopolymers and biodegradable polymers in disposable products, as well as help curb the improper disposal of plastic contributing to the global environmental problem.
Plastic pollution accounts for 19 to 23 million tonnes of waste leaked into aquatic ecosystems every year.
Mofokeng explained her aspiration to solve the plastic pollution waste problem was inspired by her community of Bophelong village in Qwaqwa, where community members dump and burn plastic.
“My research is based on the preparation and characterisation of completely biodegradable polymers, their blends, composites or nanocomposites filled with unmodified or modified inorganic fillers, natural fibres, as well as synthesised carbonaceous materials,” she explained.
“Such materials are developed for various applications, including packaging, electromagnetic interference shielding (blocking unwanted signals), and the removal of heavy metals and other contaminants from water bodies,” Mofokeng elborated.
She is working with a small research group comprising one honours and two master’s degree students, which she established in 2016.
Mofokeng said to achieve the objectives, she and her research group were preparing completely biodegradable polymer blends.
She has been researching polymers for about two decades.
“This involves adjusting their morphology (structure) and some of their properties (thermal, thermomechanical, mechanical, and flame retardancy) to match those of petroleum-based polymers in their replacement for disposable products; by reinforcing with natural fibres and minerals.
“Biodegradable polymers can degrade within a few days to a few years – depending on their source, type and the biodegradation method used; while petroleum-based polymers can exist for hundreds to thousands of years without degrading.
“Biodegradable polymers can degrade by themselves under natural environmental conditions in one to three years, or may require human intervention to degrade where composts are prepared or conditions are controlled in order to degrade the polymers,” Mofokeng explained.
She said South Africa was heading towards achieving the goal using biodegradable polymers for disposable packaging.
“Most food outlets and restaurants in South Africa have already started using paper- and bio-based polymer materials in cutlery, straws, and takeaway packaging.”
As part of the research, Mofokeng recently established international research collaborations with the Libyan Advanced Center for Chemical Analysis and the Faculty of Technology at the University of Banja Luka.
Mofokeng and her group’s research is in line with the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including ensuring good health and well-being (SDG3), providing clean water and sanitation (SDG6), forging sustainable cities and communities (SDG11), establishing sustainable consumption and production patterns (SDG12) and protecting life below water (SDG14).
