1.2-Biodegradable polymers

Question 1

Characteristics of biodegradable polymers

Answer 1

• most polymers produced from finite, non renewable resrouces
• discarded polymers are a major cause of pollution
• polymers can be produced from natural and renewable resources e.g. wood, vegetable oils, sugar and starch (natural bio polymers)

Question 2

What are the two categories of bio polymers

Answer 2

• natural bio polymers

- synthetic bio polymers (made from renewable resources but chemically engineered)

Question 3

What are biodegradable polymers

Answer 3

they can be made from finite resources such as crud oil and contains additives, that cause it to degrade more quickly than traditional polymers

Question 4

Evaluate using bio polymers and biodegradable polymers

Answer 4

• biodegradable polymers can produce methane gas- contributes to global warming
• biodegradable polymers can take high temperatures to decompose
• these cannot be recyled
• they have different meanings- may be confusing to the lay person
• natural bio polymers need land to grow the crops to make them
• additives can be added to a thermoplastic

Question 5

Natural Bio polymer- Corn starch polymer- source and uses

Answer 5

• made from high starch vegetables e.g. corn, potatoes

- packaging products, straws, vending cups, bags

Question 6

Natural Bio polymer- Potatopak- source and uses

Answer 6

• made from potato starch

- single use food items e.g. bowls, cutlery, packaging peanuts

Question 7

Natural Bio polymer- Biopol- source and uses

Answer 7

• made from bateria grown in cultures
• additive to promote degration
• packaging produts e.g. fil, carrier bags, vending cups, nappies

Question 8

Synthetic Bio polymer- Polylactic acid (PLA)- source and uses

Answer 8

• made from corn kernals or cane sugar, fermented to produce lactic acid
• packaging, single use bottles, carrier bags, plant pots

Question 9

Natural Bio polymer- Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)- source and uses

Answer 9

• made from bacteria grown in cultures, fully compostable

- packaging, medical uses e.g. bone plates

Question 10

Synthetic Bio polymer- Lactide- source and uses

Answer 10

• fully compostabl, water soluble, PLA and cellulose based

- biomedical applications, slow release medication, detergent washing sachets

Question 11

Synthetic Bio polymer- Glycolide- source and uses

Answer 11

• fully compostable, PLA and cellulose based

- food film, bags, packaging wrap, flower wrap

Question 12

How can bio polymers degrade

Answer 12

• light (photodegradable)- polymer bonds weakened when exposed to UV
• oxygen (oxy-degradable)- polymer turns into fine powder when exposed to oxygen
• water (hydro degradable)- polymer breaks down when exposed to water

Question 13

Why does degradation occur

Answer 13

• action of micro organisms which convert material into CO2, biomass and methane
• ability of polymer to biodegrade depends on structure of polymer