Bioplastics

What are bioplastics?

Bioplastics are a green and sustainable alternative to oil-based
plastics and are derived from biological substances rather than
petroleum. Oil based plastics are non-biodegradable and nonrenewable.

Bioplastics have two main benefits:

They are sustainable because they are able to be produced from

natural and renewable resources. This is important because we
able to sustain ourselves for future generations. Plants are
sustainable as we can grow them again and the use of plants is
carbon neutral so there is no net increase of CO2 going into our
atmosphere.

They are biodegradable as bacteria and fungi can usually break

them down, even if the process can be very slow as it depends on
temperature, light, moisture, exposed surface area, pH and
microbial activity.

Here are examples of what oil-based plastics affects society

and the world around us:

Types of bioplastics

Cellulose based plastics

Plant fibres contain lots of sclerenchyma cells and xylem tissue
that make them very tough. Cellulose and lignified cellulose are
not easily broken down by enzymes or by chemicals. Cellulose
based plastics are usually made from wood pulp. Wood is soaked
in very strong alkalis to produce a pulp consisting of cellulose and
lignified cellulose fibres in water. Thin layers of pulp are then
pressed onto frames where they dry to form paper.

Starch based plastics

It is made mainly from starch extracted from potatoes or maize,
which is then mixed with other compounds such as gelatine which
then change the properties of the starch.

Applications

Industry: Films, paper laminates and sheets, bags, containers,

automobiles

Pharmaceutical: Ligament replacements, drug capsules

Household: Disposable razors, utensils, diapers, containers

Properties of bioplastics

Some are stiff and brittle

Some are rubbery and mould-able

Properties may be manipulated by blending polymers or by

genetic modifications
Degrades at 185 degrees Celsius
Moisture resistant, water insoluble, optically pure, impermeable
to oxygen
Maintains stability during manufacture and use but degrades
when disposed of or recycled