he widespread use of synthetic polymer fibers, films, and coatings has resulted in persistent microplastic and nanoplastic contamination arising from abrasion, laundering, weathering, and mechanical fatigue. Even so-called biodegradable polymers retain long synthetic chain backbones that fragment into persistent particulate intermediates prior to mineralization. This study presents a class of ionically bonded mineral-biopolymer composite materials designed to functionally replace polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester in textile, film, and coating applications while structurally eliminating the formation of persistent plastic particles. The material architecture is based on a continuous mineral backbone reinforced and flexibilized by bio-derived fibers, interconnected through reversible ionic crosslinking rather than covalent synthetic polymer chains. Under mechanical or environmental stress, the composite undergoes controlled fragmentation into mineral particles and bio-ionic residues that reintegrate into natural sedimentary or biological cycles, rather than accumulating as persistent microplastics. Processability into fibers, films, membranes, and coatings is demonstrated using aqueous, low-temperature methods compatible with existing manufacturing infrastructure. The approach represents a paradigm shift from "degradable plastics" toward structural non-plasticity as a primary design principle for sustainable materials.
Vladan Kuzmanović (Thu,) studied this question.