Biodegradable Polymers Flashcards
even though all polymers are degradable, how does this effect the environment?
- slowly break down over 1000s of years
- leave tiny plastic particles in the earth
- pollute the earth and remain in the food chain
how do biodegradable polymers decompose?
- breakdown without oxygen
- turn into carbon dioxide, water and biomass
- takes several years
what does compostable mean?
breaks down under certain conditions in a short amount of time with no toxic residue
what are the products of composting polymers? [4]
carbon dioxide
water
inorganic compound
biomass
what two categories are there for biodegradable polymers with examples?
- renewable raw materials like sugar and plant starch [PLA]
- manufactured with biodegradable additives [bio-batch]
what is Oxy-degradation?
polymers that degrade in the presence of oxygen
how does Oxy-degradation occur?
- additives used in the plastic
- speeds up the process [built in speed]
- plastic starts to flake then turns to powder
what is photo-degradation?
degradation in the presence of UV light
where are photo-degradable plastics used?
- weed suppressant sheeting [blocks light so weeds die]
- commercial nurseries
- agriculture
what is hydro-degradation?
degradation in the presence of water
uses for hydro-degradable polymers?
- laundry liquid pods
- hospital laundry bags
- casings for medicines or vitamins
- products that need a hygienic, leak free seal before water exposure
what are corn starch polymers and its properties?
naturally derived biopolymer
- extruded or injection moulded
- food safe
- fat resistant
- uv resistant
- printable
what is PotatoPak and how is it made?
starch based, compostable natural biopolymer made from potatoes
-powdered polymer is inserted into mould that is heated and pressurised to form a rigid shape
what are the uses of PotatoPak?
- single use cutlery / bowls
- packaging
what happens when an additive is used in potatoPak ?
it expands for packaging pellets
what is Biopol and where is it used?
PHB [polyhydroxybutyrate] is a natural polymer made from bacteria
-used as an additive in thermoplastics to promote bio-degradation
name 2 properties of Biopol
UV resistant
doesn’t dissolve in water
what products is made from Biopol?
- disposable items
- shampoo bottles
- disposable razors
- nappy liners
what is PLA and its uses?
synthetic biopolymer fermented and synthesised from corn starch
- water bottles
- carrier bags
- plant pots
- 3D printing
PLA properties?
- moulded
- formed
- extruded
- recycled
what is PHA and what is it made from?
natural compostable biopolymer powder
-made from mixed organic waste, fermented bacteria cultures, water and oxygen
uses for PHA?
- food packaging
- bottles and films
- crockery
- surgical fixings
- drug delivery patches
what is Lactide and its properties?
- synthetic PLA based polymer
- compostable
- hydro-degradable
Lactide uses
- pill capsule casings
- detergent pods
what is Glycolide [ecofilm] and what forms is it available in??
synthetic PLA polymer
-sheet or film
uses of Glycolide
- extruded for fine films
- packaging wrap
- flower wrap
- bin liners
what company specialises in Glycolide and PLA derivatives?
LACTEL
