Self-destructing plastic achieved with built-in 'on/off' switch

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a novel type of programmable plastic that can self-destruct on command by incorporating a molecular "on/off" switch. Unlike traditional plastics designed for durability, these new plastics are engineered through conformational preorganization—a method of pre-folding polymer molecules so that specific bonds become exposed and susceptible to breaking when triggered by environmental factors such as water, light, or metal ions. This approach mimics natural polymers like DNA and proteins, which naturally degrade after fulfilling their function. By adjusting the geometry of small chemical groups adjacent to normally stable bonds, the plastics’ degradation timeline can be precisely controlled, ranging from days to years. This innovation does not rely on new or fragile chemicals, making it potentially applicable to a wide range of products, from short-term use items like food containers and packaging to long-lasting materials such as car parts and building components. The plastics can be designed to maintain structural integrity for a desired period before degrading environmentally. However, the technology remains at the laboratory stage, requiring