Plastics can generally be considered to have a favorable environmental impact due to their lightweight nature, efficient use of resources and energy during production, transport and application, and their high energy potential for thermal recovery after use. Bioplastics have an added advantage of using renewable resources, which can be beneficial in terms of reducing consumption […]
A variety of international standards and test methods have been created for biodegradability, product safety, and compost-derived products. The primary difference among these standards is the percentage of biodegradation necessary for adherence. The main international organizations that have established standards or testing methods are: A family of ASTM standards addresses physical property deterioration under a […]
The use of additives that control the degradation behavior of conventional thermoplastics and inherently biodegradable plastics is becoming popular due to price competition. These additives, known as prodegradant concentrates, are typically based on catalytic transition metal compounds such as cobalt stearate or manganese stearate and are used at levels of 1-3%, resulting in additional costs […]
Photodegradable plastics are synthetic polymers with light-sensitive chemical additives or copolymers that weaken the bonds of the polymer in the presence of ultraviolet radiation. These plastics are designed to become weak and brittle upon prolonged exposure to sunlight. Biodegradation occurs only after an initial photodegradation stage in which UV light triggers degradation of the polymer. […]
The degradation process of starch-based polymers occurs through enzymatic action on the glucosidic linkages between the sugar groups. This enzymatic attack results in the shortening of polymer chains and the release of sugar units (monosaccharides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides) that can be easily utilized in biochemical pathways. Starch composites (10% starch) Starch can be utilized as […]
Unveiling the Biodegradable Marvels: Aliphatic Polyesters Homopolymers and Copolymers on the Biodegradability Stage: In the realm of eco-friendly polymers, aliphatic polyesters have emerged as true champions. Specifically, homopolymers and copolymers of hydroxybutyric acid and hydroxyvaleric acid have been validated as readily biodegradable. Synthesized by microbes, these polymers accumulate within microbial cells during growth, showcasing their […]
The ability of plastics to biodegrade is determined by the material’s chemical structure and final composition, not just the raw materials used in its production. Biodegradable plastics can be made from natural or synthetic resins. Bioplastics differ from conventional plastics in two ways: they are produced using renewable resources and they are biodegradable or compostable. […]