Although recycling plastics might be common in the 21st century, a University professor believes he has invented a way for the resilient material to decompose with no threat to the environment.

Associate Professor of Polymer Science Bernard Gordon has created a resin that will make plastics -- made from polyester hydrodegradable -- able to be broken down by moisture and heat, without affecting their recyclability.

"We don't know of any other product that will allow plastics to both degrade and recycle," said Thomas Jenkins, owner of Polymer Chemistry Innovations, Inc., the company that will market the resin. He said the resin, called Earth-Guard, is an additive found in a concentrated form like Nutra Sweet.

Gordon said he came up with the idea for Earth-Guard while working for Ethian, Inc., a suture company.

"The company was using bio-degradable sutures and then they switched to hydrodegradable -- and that's where my idea for plastics came from," he said.

Daniel Tershak, associate professor of microbiology and molecular biology, said bio-degradable products, like some plastics now, are broken down by micro-organisms such as fungi and bacteria.

In order for a micro-organism to metabolize it must have heat or sunlight, he said.

"If it is too cold (micro-organisms) won't break the materials down," he said, adding "Things buried in a landfill may take 25 to 30 years to break down by bio-degradation. It's like putting something in a freezer or refrigerator; it prevents breakdown and spoilage."

Since Earth-Guard is added to other resins and mixed with the plastic while it is being made, the plastic product is able to decompose, Jenkins said.

Although the procedure is limited to plastics made from polyester, Gordon will be working on a resin for second-and third-generation materials, such as plastic bags.

These resins will be important, Jenkins predicts.

"One of the major uses for Earth-Guard is in commercial fishing nets," Jenkins said. "This is a hazard because fish and other sea life, as well as boats, get caught in them."

With Earth-Guard added to the nets, they will dissolve within 18 months in the sea with no harmful side effects to the environment, Jenkins said.

Gordon has been working on Earth-Guard for a year-and-a-half with support from Brown Bair Bait Company, Jenkins said. The company originally provided funding for Gordon to develop a hydrodegradable fishing line.

Jenkins said Gillette Company is looking into Earth-Guard for razor blade handles, Bic pens, and various plastic containers.

Gordon said he thinks Earth-Guard will help limit future worldly garbage problems. In 1992, Italy will no longer allow non-recyclable or non-degradable plastics within its borders, Jenkins said.

Gordon said he is unaware of other planned projects involving hydrodegradation.

"Earth Guard is still in the developmental stage but will soon be reaching the commercial stage where we will begin taking orders," Jenkins said.

Polymer Chemistry Innovations, Inc., has been awarded a Ben Franklin Partnership Fund Small Business Research Seed Grant and will use the grant to help establish the newly formed business and take Earth-Guard to market, Jenkins said.