What is Hydrogel?
- A hydrogel is a water-based substance that contains a network of polymer chains capable of holding a large amount of water while maintaining its structure.
New Invention by IIsc:
- The new hydrogel features a three-layer polymer structure and uses nanoclusters of copper substitute.
- It degrades microplastics using UV light irradiation.
Microplastics: Microplastics are small plastic particles under five millimeters, often broken down from larger plastics due to environmental factors such as UV radiation and physical wear. |
Why in News:
- IISc researchers have developed a sustainable hydrogel that removes microplastics from water, addressing their environmental and health impacts.