Biodegradable Polymers

Question 1

Ch
What’s bad about normal polymers 3 main
Where else can polymers come from
2 types

Answer 1

Normal poly from finite, non renewable sources eg crude oil.
Takes 100s y to break down
Cause pollution, kill marine animal and bird lives
But they can be made from renewable sources such as wood (cellulose), vegetable oils, suggested and starch, therefore saving finite resources

Natural bio-polymers - made from natural materials
Synthetic bio-polymers- made from renewable sources but are chemically engineered to break down faster

Question 2

Ch
Implications of use of biodegradable polymers:
What they can produce
Decompose

Implications of use of bio polymers:
What they need to grow
Recycling?
Processes?
Additives?

Answer 2

Biodegradable:
Can produce methane, GHG
Takes high temps to compose, can leave toxic residue

Bio:
Natural bio polymers need land to grow crops
Both can’t be recycled, contributes to throwaway culture
Processed like normal plastics
Bio and biodegradable polymers can be confusing, makes it harder to make an environment friendly choice
Additives can be used eg LDPE, HDPE, PP, PVC, PET

Question 3

Main
Corn starch polymer
PLA

Answer 3

Corn starch polymer - packaging, disposable cutlery, bags, takeaway containers
Natural Bio polymer, made from high starch vegetables

PLA - Polylactic acid - packaging, single use bottles, 3d printing, disposable nappies, carrier bags, plant pots
Synthetic biopolymer, made from sugar cane, is fermented then is synthesized

Question 4

Other
Potatopak
Biopol
PHA
Lactide
Glycolide

Answer 4

Potatopak - single use food items eg bowls, cutlery, food trays, bin bags
Natural biopolymer, made of potato starch

Biopol - packaging products eg films, carrier bags, nappies, pill coverings
Natural biopolymer, made of bacteria grown Inn culture, degredation additives added

PHA - medical uses eg slow release patches, films, screws and bone plates
Also made from bacteria. Fully compostable

Lactide - biomed stuff, slow release med, bone repair and fixings
Synthetic. Fully compostable, water soluble

Glycolide - food film, packaging wrap, bin bags
Synthetic , fully.compostable
Lactide and glycolide are pla and cellulose based

Question 5

Degration

How long
3 types
How degredation occurs
What is a materials ability to biodegrade based on

Answer 5

Can be designed to degrade from months to years
Photodegradable - UV weakens polymer bonds
Oxy-degradable - oxygen males polymer turn to small powder, micro organisms degrade it
Hydro-degradable - water breaks it down then micro organisms
Degredation happens cuz microorganisms turn material to h20, ch4, c02 and boom
Ability of polymer to biodegrade depends on structure of material rather than raw material