bio plastic.. an alternative to current plastic…

BIO Plastic.. BIO Plastic.. an an alternativealternativeto current plastic…. to current plastic….

It’s a nascent initiative to create a world which will be eco friendly………

GO GREEN !! GO GREEN !!

What are What are BIOPLASTICS ?BIOPLASTICS ?

• BIOPLASTICSBIOPLASTICS or organic plasticsorganic plastics are a form of plastics derived from renewable biomass sources,

such as vegetable oil, corn starch, pea vegetable oil, corn starch, pea starch, or Microbiotastarch, or Microbiota, rather than fossil-fuel plastics which are derived from petroleum.

• Biodegradable plastics combine the utility of plastics (lightweight, resistance, relative low cost) with the ability to completely and fully biodegrade.

Types of bio plasticsTypes of bio plastics

The different types of bio plastics include –

• Starch Based PlasticsStarch Based Plastics• Polyhydroalkanoates Polyhydroalkanoates

( PHA’s )( PHA’s )• Poly-3-hydrobutyrate Poly-3-hydrobutyrate

( PHB’s )( PHB’s )• Polylactic Acid ( PLA)Polylactic Acid ( PLA)• Oxo - Biodegradable PlasticsOxo - Biodegradable Plastics• Genetically Modified PlasticsGenetically Modified Plastics

Starch based Starch based BIOPLASTICSBIOPLASTICS

• Among the different types of biodegradable plastics, Starch based plastics constitute about constitute about 50% of the bioplastics market. 50% of the bioplastics market. Thermoplastic starchThermoplastic starch, such as Plastarch MaterialPlastarch Material, currently represents the most important and widely used bioplastic.

• FlexibiliserFlexibiliser and plasticizerplasticizer such as sorbitolsorbitol and glycerin glycerin are added to the starch. By varying the amounts of these additives, the characteristic of the material can be tailored to specific needs (also called "thermo-plastical thermo-plastical starchstarch").

IngredientsIngredients

Here, the main ingredients used are - CORNFLOURCORNFLOUR,

WATERWATER ,

GLYCERINGLYCERIN, and

VINEGARVINEGAR

Chemistry InsideChemistry Inside

• Corn flour contains STARCHSTARCH, which is the main ingredient of the Bioplastic.

• Basically, Starch is made of long long chains of glucose molecules chains of glucose molecules joined together.

• Strictly, it contains two polymers:

AMYLOSE AMYLOSE and AMYLOPECTINAMYLOPECTIN

Polymers in StarchPolymers in Starch

• AMYLOSEAMYLOSE

This is a long straight-chainedlong straight-chained polymer. This is a very useful polymer as it would give strength to the plastic.

Polymers in StarchPolymers in Starch

• AMYLOPECTINAMYLOPECTIN

This is branchedbranched. When starch is dried from an aqueous solution it forms a film due to hydrogen bonding hydrogen bonding between the chains. However, the AMYLOPECTINAMYLOPECTIN inhibits the formation of the filminhibits the formation of the film, as it makes the plastic brittle. Reacting the starch with a chemical like vinegar vinegar breaks down the amylopectinbreaks down the amylopectin, giving strenght to our plastic.

Process of making Process of making BioplasticBioplastic

BIODEGRADBIODEGRADABLE ABLE PLASTICPLASTIC

GREENERGREENER EARTH EARTH

Giving different Giving different propertiesproperties

Varying the quantity of vinegar accordingly can give different properties to the plastic

• if less amount of vinegar is used, then the plastic obtained would be hard and stiff.hard and stiff.

• if more amount of vinegar is used, then the plastic obtained would be tensile and flexible.tensile and flexible.

applicationsapplications

• Biodegradable bioplastics are widely used for disposabledisposable

itemsitems, such as packagingpackaging and

catering items.catering items.

• Biodegradable plastics are also used for organic waste bagsorganic waste bags, where they can be composted together with the food or green waste.

BenefitsBenefits

Bioplastics can ensure a greener and sustainable future as it -

• Takes Less Time to Break DownTakes Less Time to Break Down Bioplastic, easily degrades when discarded, thus reducing tons of petroplastic that cannot degrade.

• RenewableRenewable The biggest advantage of bioplastic is

that these plastics are made from renewable sources. Unlike fossil fuels including oil, these resources will not be depleted within a century.

BenefitsBenefits

• Non ToxicNon Toxic Bioplastics do not have any chemicals or toxins. This plastic harmlessly breaks down and gets absorbed into the earth.

• Reduces COReduces CO22 Emissions Emissions When bioplastics degrade, there are

very few greenhouse gas and harmful carbon emissions. Bioplastics represent a

42% reduction in carbon footprint.42% reduction in carbon footprint.

BenefitsBenefits

• Cost Effective and Energy EfficientCost Effective and Energy Efficient Producing bioplastics uses 65% less 65% less

energy energy than it takes to produce petroleum-based plastics, making bioplastics the energy-efficient choice.

• Easier to RecycleEasier to Recycle Bioplastics are created from fully biodegradable materials. Thus, recycling them takes much less energy.

DrawbacksDrawbacks

Despite that this plastic is eco - friendly, its has not become popular in its use mainly because -

• Limited Shelf LifeLimited Shelf Life Bio plastics do not have a long life do not have a long life as they

degrade very quickly. Thus, the conventional plastics are preferred more because of their excellent durability and long life.

• Development of Plastic Consuming BacteriaDevelopment of Plastic Consuming Bacteria It is also possible that bacteria will

eventually evolve the ability to degrade synthetic plastics as well.

DrawbacksDrawbacks

• Food ShortageFood Shortage Bio plastic production cannot be

increased unless there is a pressure on the food system. Most of the corn that was used for human consumption is now being used for making bioplastic. Thus, there is a future possibility of food shortage. It has drawn attention to the importance of using non-edible plant using non-edible plant resources to produce bio plastics.resources to produce bio plastics.

• Low Mechanical StrengthLow Mechanical Strength The mechanical strength of starch based

bio plastics is poor as compared to regular plastic.

ThankThank

You !!You !!

bio plastic.. an alternative to current plastic…

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