1.9 Biodegradable Polymers

Question 1

Describe biodegradable polymer

Answer 1

Made from finite resources such as crude oil and contains additives that cause it to degrade more quickly than traditional polymers.

Question 2

Describe photodegradable polymer

Answer 2

Polymer bonds are weakened and the polymer breaks down with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as UV rays from sunlight

Question 3

Describe oxy-degradable polymer

Answer 3

Polymer turns into a fine powder with exposure to oxygen and is subsequently degradable by the action of micro-organisms

Question 4

Describe hydro-degradable polymer

Answer 4

Polymer quickly breaks down with exposure to water and is subsequently degradable by the action of micro-organisms

Question 5

State three properties/characteristics of corn starch polymer

Answer 5

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

Question 6

State three uses of corn starch polymer

Answer 6

• Packaging products
• Straws
• Vending cups
• Disposable cutlery
• Bags
• Takeaway food containers

Question 7

State two properties/characteristics of potatopak

Answer 7

Made from potato starch

• Compostable
• Water-resistant
• Heat resistant
• Food safe

Question 8

State two uses of potatopak

Answer 8

• Single-use food items such as bowls, cutlery, and food trays
• Packaging beads
• Bin bags

Question 9

State two properties/characteristics of biopol

Answer 9

Made from bacteria grown in cultures

• Good UV resistance
• Does not dissolve in water
• Can be moulded, formed, and extruded
• Made from bacteria

Question 10

State two uses of biopol

Answer 10

• Packaging products such as film and carrier bags
• Vending bags
• Nappies
• Surgical stitches
• Pill coverings

Question 11

State two properties/characteristics of PLA

Answer 11

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

Question 12

State two uses of PLA

Answer 12

• Packaging
• Single-use bottles
• Carrier bags
• Plant pots
• Disposable Nappies
• Medical sutures
• 3D printing (commonly used)

Question 13

State two properties/characteristics of PHA

Answer 13

Made from bacteria grown in cultures

• Food safe
• Can be formed and moulded like conventional thermoplastics

Question 14

State two uses of PHA

Answer 14

• Packaging
• Medical uses such as slow-release medication patches, bone plates, and screws
• Film

Question 15

State two properties/characteristics of lactide

Answer 15

PLA and cellulose based

• Compostable
• Hydro-degradable

Question 16

State two uses of lactide

Answer 16

• Slow release medication
• Bone repair fixing
• Detergent washing sachets

Question 17

State two properties/characteristics of glycolide

Answer 17

PLA and cellulose-based

• Fully compostable
• Can be extruded to produce films
• Smiliar to LDPE but is much stronger

Question 18

State two uses of glycolide

Answer 18

• Food films
• Bags
• Packaging wrap
• Bin bags
• Agricultural groundsheet
• Flower wrap