9-Biodegradeable polymers Flashcards
1
Q
What is a negative of synthetic polymers?
A
- They can take hundreds of years to break down (Degrade)
- This is a major cause of pollution and can kill marine and bird life
2
Q
What is a Bio-polymer?
A
Polymers made from natural renewable resources
3
Q
what are the two categories of Biopolymers?
A
- Natural
- Synthetic
4
Q
Natural Bio-polymers
A
- Polymers made from natural materials such as starch
5
Q
Synthetic bio-polymers
A
- polymers made from renewable resources but chemically synthesised to degrade faster
6
Q
what is a biodegradable polymer?
A
Made from finite resources but contains additives which cause it to degrade faster
7
Q
2 positives of bio-polymers/biodegradable polymers
A
- Reduces the dependence on fossil fuels and fractional distillation which massively reduces pollution levels and energy usage
- Can be processed in the same way as other regular polymers therefore machinery would not need to be changed
8
Q
1 negative of bio-polymers
A
- Biopolymers will need lots of land space and water to grow the crops for the polymers
9
Q
1 negative of biodegradable polymers
A
- Can take high temperatures to decompose which can use a lot of energy
- This combustion can emit toxic gases
10
Q
2 Biopolymers (synthetic)
A
- Polylactic acid
- Lactide
11
Q
2 bio-polymers (natural)
A
- Corn starch polymer
- Potatopak
12
Q
Potatopak
A
- Made from potato starch
- For single use food items such as bowls, cutlery, trays, or used as packaging peanuts
13
Q
Lactide
A
- Fully compostable, PLA and cellulose based
- Food film, bin bags
13
Q
Corn starch polymer
A
- Made from high starch vegetables such as corn or potatoes
- Used in packaging, disposable cutlery, straws
14
Q
Polylactic acid (PLA)
A
- Made from corn kernels or cane sugar, fermented to create lactic acid, and then synthesized to make polylactic acid
- used in nappies, 3D printing, medical stitches, plant pots, and more
