Biodegradable plastics environmental effects

The over growing environmental pressure caused by the wide spread consumption of petroleum based polymers and plastics has hastened the development of biodegradable and environmentally acceptable materials. Biopolymers derived from various natural resources such as proteins, cellulosics, starch and other polysaccharides are regarded as the alternate materials. Biodegradable polymeric materials derived from renewable sources are the most promising materials because of their easy availability and cost effectiveness. Biodegradable modified polysaccharides have been found to possess varied applications such as salt resistant absorption of water [109]. 

What makes artificial plastics so attractive compared with long-used natural polymers such as wood, paper, cotton, wool, silk, horn, or natural rabber (caoutchouc) Synthesized plastics can be easily formed into almost any shape, they are resistant to environmental effects, heat, chemicals, and they are inexpensive (these properties, of course, differ depending on the type of plastics). Natural polymers have some advantages, too, primarily that they are typically more biodegradable than synthetic materials. As environmental pollution worsens, this property is becoming increasingly important. Humankind must use resources efficiently and must try to prevent unnecessary problems in the enviromnent. 

When thinking about the environmental effects of plastics, for the products having short life cycle periods - if the mechanical aspects can be fulfilled - it may be convenient to use biodegradable materials. Considering the promising properties and applications of biodegradable polymers as long as their environmental friendly aspects, we decided to start with PLA-clay nanocomposites. 

Ho, K.-L.G. and Pometto, A.L. Ill (1999) Temperature effects on soil mineralization of polylactic acid plastic in laboratory respirometers. Journal of Environmental Polymer Degradation, 1, 101-108. Buchanan, C.M., Dorschel, D.D., Gardner, R.M. et al. (1995) Biodegradation of cellulose esters Composting of cellulose ester-diluent mixture. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A Pure and Applied Chemistry, A32,683-697. 

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