New polymerization method uses microscopic droplet pressure to create degradable plastics

A research team led by Osaka Metropolitan University has developed a polymerization method that uses pressure inside microscopic droplets to produce degradable plastics, EurekAlert! reported on October 22, 2026. The technique relies on Laplace pressure, which is the internal pressure generated within nanoscale droplets, to alter chemical bonds during synthesis. [1]

According to EurekAlert!, the elevated pressure within the droplet unlocks parts of a monomer's ring structure that are typically inaccessible. Opening these hidden sections increases the proportion of the monomer that can be used to construct degradable plastic polymers. [1]

Microplastics are defined as synthetic solid particulate matter or polymeric matrices that range in size from one micrometre to five millimetres, and they are insoluble in water. These particles enter ecosystems through sources such as cosmetics, clothing, construction materials, food packaging, and industrial processing, though various remediation strategies exist to mitigate their impact. [2]

Associate Professor Yukiya Kitayama of the Graduate School of Engineering stated that the findings significantly broaden the selection of materials suitable for manufacturing degradable plastics. The new approach aims to prevent the generation of microplastics by modifying the fundamental chemical properties of plastic under pressure. [1]