Insectoid material could replace plastic

Researchers from Biologically Inspired Engineering program at Harvard University, have developed a new material based on the shells of creatures such as shrimp.  It, one day could replace plastics as it’s exceptionally strong and biodegradable.

Modeled after insect cuticle, Shrilk is similar in strength and toughness to an aluminum alloy, but it is only half the weight. It is biodegradable and can be produced at a very low cost, since chitin is readily available as a shrimp waste product. It is also easily molded into complex shapes, such as tubes. By controlling the water content in the fabrication process, the researchers were even able to reproduce the wide variations in stiffness, from elasticity to rigidity.

Sources: Havard Wyss Institute, TG Daily.