Plastic waste

Question 1

Many polymers are not…

Answer 1

biodegradable.

Question 2

Biodegradable

Answer 2

Can be broken down by microorganisms.

Question 3

Not biodegradable

Answer 3

Cannot be broken down by microorganisms.

Question 4

Finding a space where to dump…

Answer 4

waste is becoming a big problem.

Question 5

Cornstarch granules

Answer 5

Built into plastic. The microorganisms in soil feed on the starch and break it into smaller pieces more quickly.

Question 6

Biodegradable polymers are made…

Answer 6

from plant products.

Question 7

PLA

Answer 7

A polymer poly(lactic acid) can be made from cornstarch. This polymer is totally biodegradable. Cannot be put into the microwave.

Question 8

Uses of PLA

Answer 8

• used in food packaging

- mixed with the traditional polymer to make career bags

Question 9

Disadvantages of biodegradable polymers

Answer 9

• 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