Biodegradable Bioplastics Example

Biodegradable Bioplastics

Example of some biodegradable bioplastics made from renewable resources.
Here are some of the primarily used biodegradable polymers –

 

  • Starch-based 
  • Cellulose-based: cellulose pulp from trees
  • Polyhydroxyalkonates (Polyhydroxybutyrate) (PHA, PHB) – Microbial source
  • Polylactides (PLA) – Lactic acid by fermentation

Properties

Biopolymer Feedstock Raw material Properties Substitute for
Starch-based Corn, potato, wheat, tapioca Starch

 

 Low water vapor barrier
Poor mechanical properties
Bad processability
Brittleness		 Polystyrene (PS)
Cellulose-based Wood pulp Cellulose Low water vapor barrier
Poor mechanical properties
Bad processability
Brittleness		 Polypropylene (PP)
Polyhydroxyalkanoates
(PHA) and (PHB)		 Corn, potatoes, maize, tapioca, vegetable oils Starch PHAs – ranging from stiff, brittle to semi rubber-like.

PHB has better oxygen barrier properties than both PP and PET, better water vapor barrier properties than PP, and fat and odor barrier properties that are sufficient for use in food packaging.

 Polypropylene (PP)
Polyethylene (PE)
Polylactic acid
(PLA)		 Corn (Major), sugar beet, potatoes, wheat, maize, tapioca Lactic acid High tensile strength and modulus. However, its brittleness and low crystallinity led to low thermal stability and limited applications. Low-density and high-density Polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE)

Polystyrene (PS)

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polypropylene (PP)