St Dominics Newcastle learner represents at International Sciences Expo
06 May 2024Husna Docrat, a Grade 11 learner from St Dominics Newcastle, secured both a Gold medal and a Grand Award certificate for her project, 'Exploring the feasibility of bioplastics as alternatives to conventional Plastics.' Recognising the environmental hazards posed by conventional plastics, which take approximately 20 years to decompose, Husna worked on developing sustainable bioplastic solutions.
Husna shared the following with the Newcastillian News: 'I am very grateful to be given the opportunity by Eskom Expo for Young Scientists and all my mentors that have taken the time to help and encourage me and made it possible for me to be here. I am overwhelmed with excitement at the fact that I have won a gold medal and a Grand Award. It has been a dream of mine, and I am so glad that I could accomplish it. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my parents, siblings, and family members.'
Original article posted 20 March 2024
Husna 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.