1.9 Biodegradable Polymers Flashcards
Describe biodegradable polymer
Made from finite resources such as crude oil and contains additives that cause it to degrade more quickly than traditional polymers.
Describe photodegradable polymer
Polymer bonds are weakened and the polymer breaks down with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as UV rays from sunlight
Describe oxy-degradable polymer
Polymer turns into a fine powder with exposure to oxygen and is subsequently degradable by the action of micro-organisms
Describe hydro-degradable polymer
Polymer quickly breaks down with exposure to water and is subsequently degradable by the action of micro-organisms
State three properties/characteristics of corn starch polymer
Made from high-starch vegetables such as corn, potatoes, and maize.
- Food-safe
- Resistant to fats
- UV resistance
- Printable
- Oxy-degradable
- Can be extruded to produce a sheet or film
- Can be injection moulded and used in 3D printer
State three uses of corn starch polymer
- Packaging products
- Straws
- Vending cups
- Disposable cutlery
- Bags
- Takeaway food containers
State two properties/characteristics of potatopak
Made from potato starch
- Compostable
- Water-resistant
- Heat resistant
- Food safe
State two uses of potatopak
- Single-use food items such as bowls, cutlery, and food trays
- Packaging beads
- Bin bags
State two properties/characteristics of biopol
Made from bacteria grown in cultures
- Good UV resistance
- Does not dissolve in water
- Can be moulded, formed, and extruded
- Made from bacteria
State two uses of biopol
- Packaging products such as film and carrier bags
- Vending bags
- Nappies
- Surgical stitches
- Pill coverings
State two properties/characteristics of PLA
Made from corn kernels or cane sugar, fermented to produce lactic acid, then synthesised to produce polylactic acid.
- Can be recycled
- can be moulded, formed, and extruded
State two uses of PLA
- Packaging
- Single-use bottles
- Carrier bags
- Plant pots
- Disposable Nappies
- Medical sutures
- 3D printing (commonly used)
State two properties/characteristics of PHA
Made from bacteria grown in cultures
- Food safe
- Can be formed and moulded like conventional thermoplastics
State two uses of PHA
- Packaging
- Medical uses such as slow-release medication patches, bone plates, and screws
- Film
State two properties/characteristics of lactide
PLA and cellulose based
- Compostable
- Hydro-degradable
