Production, biodegradable materials

It should be noted that bio-based materials are based on renewable resources, but generally these resources need to be synthesized into materials suitable for conversion into products. Biodegradable materials and materials based on renewable resources are two different categories that do not always overlap [2]. 

Syntheses of aliphatic polyesters by fermentation and chemical processes have been extensively studied from the viewpoint of biodegradable materials science. Recently, another approach to their production has been made by using an isolated lipase or esterase as catalyst via non-biosynthetic pathways under mild reaction conditions. Lipase and esterase are enzymes which catalyze hydrolysis of esters in an aqueous environment in living systems. Some of them can act as catalyst for the reverse reactions, esterifications and transesterifications, in organic media [1-5]. These catalytic actions have been expanded to... 

The increasing popularity of biodegradable materials, which are more susceptible to microbial attack, has boosted the demand for preservation. If the product does not already contain ingredients that are themselves preservatives, such as cationic surfactants, acids, or bases, preservatives may need to be added. The required level of preservatives can be related to water availability (AW), which is defined as the ratio between the water vapor pressure over a substance and the water vapor pressure over pure water at the same temperature [17], In general, an A W of below 70% should be targeted to prohibit microorganism growth [18],... 

One of the first applications of biodegradable materials is based on the cooked, extruded, and expanded starch known from the food and chemical sectors (Fig. 14.23). Starch is cooked with water in the extruder and chemically modified as necessary or mixed with plasticizers, then expanded to a starch foam and dried. The extrudate is ground so that the functional properties thus created can be used in the food/chemicals sector. The foamed, cut, and dried extrudate is the end product for loose-fill packaging applications. The degree of expansion is a measure of the foam texture. It increases strongly with product temperature at the die, helped by a higher specific mechanical energy input. However, both measures increase the water-solubility of the product. 

Biodegradable materials are created specifically with recyclability or disposal in mind. Recycling techniques for post-consumer biodegradable plastic products have two important features, which distinguish them from conventional polymers their biodegradability or compostability and the use of renewable resources in their manufacture. 

Sunway offers disposable tableware made of biodegradable materials. The product range includes cups, plates, dishes, cutlery, drinking straws and decorations. 

Cleaning Up Since sucrose, yeast, and ethanol are all natural products, all solutions produced in this experiment contain biodegradable material and can be flushed down the drain after dilution with water. The limewater can be disposed of in the same way. The Celite filter aid can be placed in the nonhazardous solid waste container. 

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