![](https://i.imgur.com/CLvY2jA.png")
22-11-2021, 09:13 AM
Shabana Begum
PUBLISHED 4 HOURS AGO
SINGAPORE - A new light brown paper made of sunflower pollen can automatically fold itself into a food container or straw when exposed to moisture in the air, breaking the mould for single-use packaging.
The intelligent pollen paper - created by scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) - is created by adding potassium hydroxide to sunflower pollen grains.
......
The pollen paper can vary in thickness from 20 to 200 micrometres, similar to that of a strand of hair - but it is far from fragile.
In fact, pollen is known as the diamond of the plant kingdom as it is one of nature's most durable materials
......
Prof Cho's research includes turning pollen into plastic and metal alternatives.
The pollen paper can be made thicker or layered if it were to be folded into a container or straw. It can be used as a greener alternative to materials such as plastics and styrofoam for disposable products and packaging.
Pollen is also abundant and can be degraded in nature gradually.
......
While the pollen paper is sensitive to moisture in the air and curls up, the inked parts do not respond to water. These opposing behaviours cause the flat paper to morph into three-dimensional shapes as humidity drops.
......
Prof Cho said: "Products can be produced without manual folding, reducing the skill and time necessary for fabrication. The whole process is also eco-friendly and scalable."
......
The NTU team is now working on optimising its pollen paper and method so that companies can eventually use the technology to manufacture greener products
Much better to read the full report (with video and diagrams) at: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/e...xes-straws
PUBLISHED 4 HOURS AGO
SINGAPORE - A new light brown paper made of sunflower pollen can automatically fold itself into a food container or straw when exposed to moisture in the air, breaking the mould for single-use packaging.
The intelligent pollen paper - created by scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) - is created by adding potassium hydroxide to sunflower pollen grains.
......
The pollen paper can vary in thickness from 20 to 200 micrometres, similar to that of a strand of hair - but it is far from fragile.
In fact, pollen is known as the diamond of the plant kingdom as it is one of nature's most durable materials
......
Prof Cho's research includes turning pollen into plastic and metal alternatives.
The pollen paper can be made thicker or layered if it were to be folded into a container or straw. It can be used as a greener alternative to materials such as plastics and styrofoam for disposable products and packaging.
Pollen is also abundant and can be degraded in nature gradually.
......
While the pollen paper is sensitive to moisture in the air and curls up, the inked parts do not respond to water. These opposing behaviours cause the flat paper to morph into three-dimensional shapes as humidity drops.
......
Prof Cho said: "Products can be produced without manual folding, reducing the skill and time necessary for fabrication. The whole process is also eco-friendly and scalable."
......
The NTU team is now working on optimising its pollen paper and method so that companies can eventually use the technology to manufacture greener products
Much better to read the full report (with video and diagrams) at: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/e...xes-straws
