2.5 Biodegradable Polymers

Question 1

What are Biodegradable polymers?

Answer 1

They are polymers that decompose due to the presence and action of living organisms

Question 2

What is the difference between compostable and biodegradable?

Answer 2

Compostable materials break down within a specific time frame and do not leave a toxic residue
Biodegradable products have no such requirements, meaning that they may not be as beneficial as they first appear.

Question 3

What is an oxy-degradable polymer?

Answer 3

Polymers that break down when exposed to oxygen

Question 4

What is a photodegradable polymer?

Answer 4

Polymers that break down with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light

Question 5

What is a hydro-degradable polymer?

Answer 5

Polymers that break down and dissolve with exposure to water such as laundry liquid pods and capsules for vitamins and medicines

Question 6

What are the properties of Corn starch Polymers?

Answer 6

• A natural bio-polymer made from high-starch vegetables
• It is food safe and resistant to fats
• It is oxy-biodegradable
• It is UV resistant
• Used in packaging and for single-use applications such as takeaway food containers

Question 7

What is Potatopak?

Answer 7

• Another starch-based natural bio-polymer made from potatoes
• Used for single-use plastic items such as plates and bowls, food trays and cutlery

Question 8

What is Biopol?

Answer 8

• A natural bio-polymer made from bacteria
• It can be moulded, formed and extruded and can be used as an additive to promote bio-degradation in other thermoplastics
• It is made in to a range of disposable items including shampoo bottles, disposable razors

Question 9

What is Polylactide (PLA)

Answer 9

• It’s a synthetic biopolymer fermented and synthesised from corn starch
• It can be recycled
• It can be moulded, formed and extruded
• It’s commonly used as polymer filament for 3D printing and packaging products including water bottles, carrier bags and plant pots

Question 10

What is Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)?

Answer 10

• It’s a natural, compostable biopolymer powder made from mixed organic waste and fermented bacteria, water and oxygen
• Food safe
• It can be formed and moulded like conventional thermoplastics
• It is also used in surgical fixings like screws and drug delivery patches

Question 11

What is Lactide?

Answer 11

• It’s a synthetic PLA-based polymer
• It’s compostable and hydro-degradable
• It has many biomedical applications including use in pill and capsule casings
• It’s also used in detergent pods

Question 12

What is Glycolide?

Answer 12

• It’s also a synthetic PLA-based polymer
• It is aka Ecofilm and can be extruded to produce fine films for use in food packaging, packaging wraps and as a flower wrap