Biodegradable Polymers

Question 1

even though all polymers are degradable, how does this effect the environment?

Answer 1

• slowly break down over 1000s of years
• leave tiny plastic particles in the earth
• pollute the earth and remain in the food chain

Question 2

how do biodegradable polymers decompose?

Answer 2

• breakdown without oxygen
• turn into carbon dioxide, water and biomass
• takes several years

Question 3

what does compostable mean?

Answer 3

breaks down under certain conditions in a short amount of time with no toxic residue

Question 4

what are the products of composting polymers? [4]

Answer 4

carbon dioxide
water
inorganic compound
biomass

Question 5

what two categories are there for biodegradable polymers with examples?

Answer 5

• renewable raw materials like sugar and plant starch [PLA]

- manufactured with biodegradable additives [bio-batch]

Question 6

what is Oxy-degradation?

Answer 6

polymers that degrade in the presence of oxygen

Question 7

how does Oxy-degradation occur?

Answer 7

• additives used in the plastic
• speeds up the process [built in speed]
• plastic starts to flake then turns to powder

Question 8

what is photo-degradation?

Answer 8

degradation in the presence of UV light

Question 9

where are photo-degradable plastics used?

Answer 9

• weed suppressant sheeting [blocks light so weeds die]
• commercial nurseries
• agriculture

Question 10

what is hydro-degradation?

Answer 10

degradation in the presence of water

Question 11

uses for hydro-degradable polymers?

Answer 11

• laundry liquid pods
• hospital laundry bags
• casings for medicines or vitamins
• products that need a hygienic, leak free seal before water exposure

Question 12

what are corn starch polymers and its properties?

Answer 12

naturally derived biopolymer

• extruded or injection moulded
• food safe
• fat resistant
• uv resistant
• printable

Question 13

what is PotatoPak and how is it made?

Answer 13

starch based, compostable natural biopolymer made from potatoes
-powdered polymer is inserted into mould that is heated and pressurised to form a rigid shape

Question 14

what are the uses of PotatoPak?

Answer 14

• single use cutlery / bowls

- packaging

Question 15

what happens when an additive is used in potatoPak ?

Answer 15

it expands for packaging pellets

Question 16

what is Biopol and where is it used?

Answer 16

PHB [polyhydroxybutyrate] is a natural polymer made from bacteria
-used as an additive in thermoplastics to promote bio-degradation

Question 17

name 2 properties of Biopol

Answer 17

UV resistant

doesn’t dissolve in water

Question 18

what products is made from Biopol?

Answer 18

• disposable items
• shampoo bottles
• disposable razors
• nappy liners

Question 19

what is PLA and its uses?

Answer 19

synthetic biopolymer fermented and synthesised from corn starch

• water bottles
• carrier bags
• plant pots
• 3D printing

Question 20

PLA properties?

Answer 20

• moulded
• formed
• extruded
• recycled

Question 21

what is PHA and what is it made from?

Answer 21

natural compostable biopolymer powder

-made from mixed organic waste, fermented bacteria cultures, water and oxygen

Question 22

uses for PHA?

Answer 22

• food packaging
• bottles and films
• crockery
• surgical fixings
• drug delivery patches

Question 23

what is Lactide and its properties?

Answer 23

• synthetic PLA based polymer
• compostable
• hydro-degradable

Question 24

Lactide uses

Answer 24

• pill capsule casings

- detergent pods

Question 25

what is Glycolide [ecofilm] and what forms is it available in??

Answer 25

synthetic PLA polymer

-sheet or film

Question 26

uses of Glycolide

Answer 26

• extruded for fine films
• packaging wrap
• flower wrap
• bin liners

Question 27

what company specialises in Glycolide and PLA derivatives?

Answer 27

LACTEL