Class12 Bioplastics
Page 1: Introduction to Environmental Biotechnology
Overview of the field focusing on the integration of biological processes for environmental engineering.
Page 2: Overview of Bioplastics
Introduction to bioplastics, mentioning the institution where the information is presented.
ZTF-FCT (Zientzia eta Teknologia Fakultatea, Universidad del País Vasco) as the source.
Page 3: Historical Context of Plastic Production
Global production and use of plastics from 1950 to 2015.
Measurement in million metric tons, including polymer resins, synthetic fibers, and additives.
Page 4: Reducing Plastic Pollution
Types of plastics: thermoplastics, thermosets, polyurethanes (PURs), elastomers, etc.
Prevalent materials: high-density polyethylene (PE), low-density PE, polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Pure polymers often mixed with additives to enhance material properties.
Page 5: The Microplastics Issue
Introduction to microplastics and their associated health risks:
Skin irritation from larger plastic products.
Respiratory problems linked to personal hygiene products (toothpaste, shower gel, etc.).
Digestive problems and cardiovascular disease.
Reproductive effects and cancer risk linked to microplastics and associated toxins (e.g., phthalates, PCBs, DDT).
Page 6: Definition of Bioplastics
Bioplastics defined as both biobased and/or biodegradable materials.
Biobased: Derived mainly from biomass (e.g., corn, sugarcane).
Biodegradable: Capable of being decomposed by microorganisms, thus avoiding pollution.
Page 7: Biodegradable Fossil-based Plastics
Types of biodegradable polymers include:
Polybutyrate adipate terephthalate (PBAT)
Polybutylene succinate (PBS)
Polycaprolactone (PCL)
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)
Structure allows for breakdown by microorganisms; significant degradation (90%) of PBAT in 80 days.
Page 8: Standards for Compostable Plastics
Compostable plastic characteristics:
Biodegradability to CO2 by microorganisms under natural processes.
Disintegratability (fragmentation in compost).
No negative effects on compost quality with minimal heavy metals.
Compliance with European standards (EN 13432 or EN 14995).
Page 9: Biodegradable Plastics Video
A link provided to a video for further understanding of biodegradable plastics.
Page 10: Types of Bioplastics
Comparison between biobased and conventional plastics:
Biobased: PLA, PHA, biobased PE, PBS.
Conventional: PE, PP, PET; non-biodegradable vs. biodegradable plastics (e.g., PBAT, PCL).
Page 11: Non-degradable Biobased Plastics
Overview of biobased non-degradable plastics:
PET resin and processes (catalytic oxidation, polymerization).
Description of bio-PET vs. traditional petroleum-based PET.
Page 12: Changes in Bioplastics Production
Description of bioplastics redesign for sustainability; examples of biobased products.
Comparison of different categories of bioplastics with conventional options.
Page 13: Origins of Biobased Biodegradable Plastics
Sources include:
Animal: Collagen.
Marine: Chitin, chitosan.
Agricultural: Plant polysaccharides (e.g., cellulose, amylose).
Microbial: Bacterial fermentation of sugars/lipids for PLA and PHA production.
Page 14: Starch-based Plastics
Mention of starch-based plastics and their sources.
Page 15: Polylactate (PLA) Characteristics
PLA as a biodegradable polyester made from lactate.
Applications in biomedicine (implants, sutures).
Advantages of PLA include lower fossil energy consumption and non-toxic degradation products.
Page 16: PLA Production Process
Overview of PLA production from raw materials, leading to compostable products.
Page 17: Applications of Polylactates (PLA)
Uses in:
Biomedicine: implants, tissue engineering, absorbable surgical instruments.
Industry: food packaging, textiles, 3D printing.
Page 18: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
Description of PHA as bacterial biopolymers formed naturally.
Details of the microbial biosynthesis process and how microorganisms respond to conditions.
Page 19: Production Process of PHA
Steps in PHA production from strain development to fermentation studies.
Mention of specific strains and their effectiveness in producing different types of PHA.
Page 20: Mineralization of PHA
Complete mineralization of PHA to water and carbon dioxide in aerobic conditions.
Breakdown products in anaerobic conditions: H2O, CO2, CH4.
Page 21: PHA Applications
Applications in the chemical industry and as an alternative biofuel source.
Page 22: Examples of Starch-based Plastics
Specific compostable starch-based plastics produced by various companies.
Page 23: Conclusion
Reiteration of importance of environmental biotechnology and bioplastics for sustainability.
Page 24: Overview of Biomining
Introduction to biomining and its relevance in environmental biotechnology.
Page 25: Research Projects in Environmental Biotechnology
Overview of project funding proposals related to environmental technology initiatives.