Biodegradable Polymers

Bio-Polymers definition

Polymeric substance occurring in living organisms E.g. protein, DNA, cellulose

Biodegradable Polymers definition

Materials that can break down naturally through the action of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi

Examples of natural bio-polymers

• Polypeptides (silk)

• Natural rubber

• Polynucleotides (DNA)

Synthetic biopolymer examples

• silicone rubber

• PVA

• PLA

Why is methane gas from biopolymers an issue?

• Occurs during decomposition without oxygen

• Is a greenhouse gas= global warming

Why is toxic residue from biopolymers an issue?

• harmful to ecosystems and human health

• Can form micro/nano plastics

Why is growing crops for biopolymers an issue?

• reduced food security

• Environmental impact from production processes

• Less economically viable

Why is not being able to recycle biopolymers an issue?

• loss of renewable resources

• Ends up in landfill

Degradation occurs because of?

A combination of natural processes and human activities

Ability for a biopolymer to biodegrade is dependant on?

• chemical structure

• Environmental conditions

How is degradation affected by light, oxygen, water?

• Light = breaks chemical bonds, depends on intensity and wavelength

• Oxygen = reacts with materials & speeds up aerobic degradation from microorganisms

• Water = aids in aerobic respiration from microorganisms, dissolves molecules (esp. with different pH)