BIO DEGRADABLE POLYMERS-BIOPOLYMERS

Polymers

Every biopolymer has its own material specific properties, e.g. barrier properties such as oxygen permeability in thermoplastic starch. The barrier properties are relevant to the choice of biopolymers for the packaging of particular products. Poytydroxibutyrate made by varying the nutrient composition of the bacteria during fermentation of starch, decompose harmlessly in the human body and have therefore long been used for medical applications and hence are widely used in surgical implants. Polylactides (lactic acid polymers) are made from lactic acid, which is in turn made from lactose (or milk sugar) obtained from sugar beet, potatoes, wheat, maze etc. Polylactides are water resistant and can be formed by injection moulding, blowing and vacuum forming. Bioplastics have very promising prospects for use in pesticide soil pins, for packaging in-fight catering products and for packaging dairy products. Biopolymers could also prove an asset to waste processing. Biopolymers have been shown to degrade 10 to 20 times faster than traditional plastics without leaving hazardous materials. They are biocompatible, eco friendly materials which may be tailored to specific needs. Environmental responsibility is constantly increasing in importance to both consumers and industry .

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