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Biodegradable Polymers Subject: Performance of PLA vs. PET and PS This memo is in regards to a study comparing the properties of commonly used petroleum based polymers
such as polyethylene. Many of these polyesters are blended with starch based polymers for cost competitive biodegradable plastics applications. Aliphatic polyesters
will not cause immunogenic reactions or undesirable side effects. Even though these synthetic polymers are biodegradable, they are not truly autologous. As a result
agricultural feed stocks that could provide a large sustainable source of biodegradable plastic materials." (Stevens) The polymers that go into making bio plastics
of petroleum-based compounds that microbes are unable to digest (Wright 494 - 495). Biodegradable plastic polymers have been developed from sources such as cornstarch,
Submitted by syoumans24 on February 1, 2007
Category: Technology
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Subject: Performance of PLA vs. PET and PS
This memo is in regards to a study comparing the properties of commonly used petroleum based polymers (PS and PET) with a biodegradable alternative (PLA). The study found that PLA has several properties in common with these petroleum based plastics. It also proposes further studies on PLA polymers to better determine their performance and compatibility in the world of food packaging.
Why do we Need to Change?
The U.S. has been steadily increasing its production of municipal solid waste (MSW). In 2003, packaging represented 31.7% of America's 236 million tons of MSW [1]. Approximately 6.35 million tons of plastic goods were taking up landfill space in 2003 [1]. These numbers all seem to be on the rise. Biodegradable polymers are an attempt to decrease America's dependence on landfills for disposing of their packaging waste. A drastic reduction in the amount of packaging waste in landfills would be a good step toward the overall reduction of MSW. Composting is beginning to take precedence over traditional recycling programs throughout the U.S. Composting does not take as much effort to accomplish as sorting and reprocessing for recycling do. Composting recovered 7.1% of the MSW in 2003 [1].
Is PLA the answer?
The best thing about PLA is that it is produced from renewable resources. It is primarily produced by the fermentation of corn dextrose, thus providing significant energy savings in comparison to synthetic polymers [2]. PLA can also be recyclable and compostable [3]. Its physical and mechanical properties can be easily manipulated through the architecture (by changing the levels of L, D, or meso-lactide) or by changing the molecular mass [3]. PLA can be processed through many traditional methods including injection molding, sheet extrusion, and thermoforming. PLA has also been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for...
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