Plastic waste Flashcards
1
Q
Many polymers are not…
A
biodegradable.
2
Q
Biodegradable
A
Can be broken down by microorganisms.
3
Q
Not biodegradable
A
Cannot be broken down by microorganisms.
4
Q
Finding a space where to dump…
A
waste is becoming a big problem.
5
Q
Cornstarch granules
A
Built into plastic. The microorganisms in soil feed on the starch and break it into smaller pieces more quickly.
6
Q
Biodegradable polymers are made…
A
from plant products.
7
Q
PLA
A
A polymer poly(lactic acid) can be made from cornstarch. This polymer is totally biodegradable. Cannot be put into the microwave.
8
Q
Uses of PLA
A
- used in food packaging
- mixed with the traditional polymer to make career bags
9
Q
Disadvantages of biodegradable polymers
A
- use of food crop like corn can increase
- more space needed to grow corn
- starvation
- some can be only broken by light no in the ground
