St Dominics Newcastle learner represents at International Sciences Expo
20 March 2024Husna Docrat, a Grade 11 learner at St Dominics Newcastle, has been selected to represent South Africa at the upcoming International Science Expo in Bali, Indonesia. Her project, titled Bioplastics: Plastic of the Future successfully produced eco-friendly (bio-plastic) alternative to plastic, by using everyday organic materials.
St Dominics Newcastle's budding scientist
Husna embarked on this mission utilising everyday materials, particularly potato and banana peels. Through meticulous experimentation, she successfully produced bioplastics that not only boasted superior strength and durability, but also environmental sustainability. Her bioplastic decomposed within just six months in aquatic and terrestrial environments, during rigorous, controlled testing.
This breakthrough showcases the material’s viability as a practical alternative to conventional plastics, without resorting to harmful chemical processes. The best part of all? She used no harmful chemicals during the production process.
Watch this space
We’ll be keeping a close eye on this budding scientist from St Dominics Newcastle – her research might just make a difference to the global challenge of sustainable products.