1.9 Biodegradable Polymers Flashcards
(18 cards)
Describe biodegradable polymer
They are plastics that break down naturally by microorganisms into harmless by-products like water, CO₂, and biomass.
Natural-source biodegradable polymers
Made from renewable resources like starch, cellulose, or lactic acid (e.g. PLA – polylactic acid).
Synthetic biodegradable polymers
Man-made but engineered to break down (e.g. PCL – polycaprolactone).
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
State two uses of lactide
- Slow release medication
- Bone repair fixing
- Detergent washing sachets
State two properties/characteristics of glycolide
PLA and cellulose-based
- Fully compostable
- Can be extruded to produce films
- Smiliar to LDPE but is much stronger
State two uses of glycolide
- Food films
- Bags
- Packaging wrap
- Bin bags
- Agricultural groundsheet
- Flower wrap
