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Question 1

What are Bioplastics?

Answer 1

Plastics based on biological polymers, such as starch and cellulose.

Question 2

Benefits of bioplastics?

Answer 2

1) They are sustainble resource, starch and cellulose come from plants. These plant can be grown easily to supply the needs of the bioplastic industry. When oil runs out we will need another source of plastics.
2) Bioplastics and biodegradable, bacteria and fungi can usually break down bioplastics because they are based on biological molecules, though the process can be very slow.

Question 3

Name a disadvantage of bioplastics?

Answer 3

When land is used to grow crops for sustainable developments such as bioplastics, it is no longer for growing food. They are more expensive then the oil-based alternatives.

Question 4

What are cellulose-based plastics?

Answer 4

They are plastics made from wood pulp(like the one used in paper industry), they are mainly used to make plastics wrapping for food.

Question 5

What is thermoplastics starch?

Answer 5

It is made mainly from starch which is extracted from potatoes and gaize. This is then mixed with other compounds such as gelatine, which change the properties of starch. It is mainly used in pharmaceuticals industry to make capsules to make drugs. These plastics are smooth, shiny and easy to swallow.

Question 6

What is polylactic acid?

Answer 6

-polylactic acid which are like polyethene but biodegradable, it is produced from maize or sugar cane, it is used to make computer casing, mobile phones, and drinking cups.

Question 7

What is Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate?

Answer 7

-Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate is a stiff polypropene, used to make ropes, bank notes and car parts.