Biodegradable Polymers and Sustainability
29 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is one benefit of using biodegradable polymers in biological devices?

  • They are cheaper than conventional plastics.
  • They have higher durability.
  • They are made from synthetic materials.
  • They degrade harmlessly in the body. (correct)

    • Which of the following is NOT considered a biodegradable polymer?

  • Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
  • Polyethylene (PE) (correct)
  • Polylactic Acid (PLA)
  • Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)

    • What is the first step in the synthesis of Polylactic Acid (PLA)?

  • Microbial fermentation to produce LA (correct)
  • Cyclic dimer formation
  • LA purification
  • Lactide polymerization

    • What is a common raw material for both biodegradable and nonbiodegradable bioplastics?

    <p>Petrochemical sources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which polymer can be synthesized from renewable raw materials but is not biodegradable?

    <p>Bio-PE</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about condensation polymerization is true?

    <p>It is the least expensive route for polymer synthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Lactide in the context of Polylactic Acid (PLA) synthesis?

    <p>The cyclic dimer of lactic acid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which biopolymer is derived from lactic acid and is considered biodegradable?

    <p>Polylactic Acid (PLA)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factors contribute to the sustainability of development?

    <p>Economic, social, and environmental aspects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of biodegradable polymers?

    <p>They can be used for sustainable drug delivery systems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary process that biodegradable polymers undergo?

    <p>Biodegradation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What needs to change to achieve a balance in sustainable development?

    <p>A greater emphasis on environmental protection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of applications can 'smart' biodegradable polymers be used for?

    <p>Drug delivery devices and agriculture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is enzymatic polymerization primarily known for?

    <p>Operable under mild conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process results in high molecular weight PLA through a chain coupling agent?

    <p>Direct condensation polymerization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is NOT attributed to PLA?

    <p>It is a toxic polymer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What makes PLA suitable for applications like bone plates?

    <p>High molecular weight polymer material</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a notable property of PLA regarding safety?

    <p>It is biocompatible</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following applications is PLA particularly well suited for due to its properties?

    <p>Sheet extrusion and film blowing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about PLA's thermal properties is true?

    <p>It has a high melting temperature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What application area is PLA most prominently studied for?

    <p>Medical applications</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a method through which polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is produced?

    <p>Hydrolyzing polyvinyl acetate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which property makes polyvinyl alcohol soluble in water?

    <p>Presence of hydroxyl groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which industry is PVA commonly used as a sizing agent?

    <p>Textile industry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What makes PVA-based adhesives popular in various applications?

    <p>Low toxicity and strong adhesion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following applications utilizes the barrier properties of PVA films?

    <p>Food packaging</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical molecular weight range of polyvinyl alcohol?

    <p>26,000 to 30,000 g mol-1</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about polyvinyl alcohol is correct?

    <p>It is odorless and tasteless.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following features does not describe polyvinyl alcohol?

    <p>Odorous and colorful</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Biodegradable Polymers in Biological Devices

    • Benefit: Biodegradable polymers degrade into non-toxic byproducts within the body, eliminating the need for a second surgery to remove the device.

    Biodegradable Polymers

    • Not a Biodegradable Polymer: Polystyrene (PS) is a common thermoplastic that isn't considered biodegradable.

    Polylactic Acid (PLA) Synthesis

    • First Step: The first step in PLA synthesis involves the polymerization of lactide monomers, a cyclic dimer of lactic acid.

    Raw Materials for Bioplastics

    • Common Raw Material: Both biodegradable and nonbiodegradable bioplastics often utilize corn starch as a raw material.

    Renewable Raw Materials and Biodegradability

    • Non-Biodegradable Polymer from Renewable Resources: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are synthesizable from renewable resources like sugars, but they aren't biodegradable.

    Condensation Polymerization

    • Condensation Polymerization Fact: Condensation polymerization results in the formation of water or other small molecules as a byproduct.

    Lactide in PLA Synthesis

    • Lactide: In PLA synthesis, Lactide is a cyclic dimer of lactic acid that serves as the monomer unit for polymerization.

    Biopolymer Derived from Lactic Acid

    • Biodegradable Biopolymer: Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable biopolymer derived from lactic acid.

    Sustainability of Development Factors

    • Factors: Key factors contributing to sustainable development include environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability.

    Significance of Biodegradable Polymers

    • Significance: Biodegradable polymers offer advantages in waste management and environmental sustainability by breaking down into harmless substances.

    Biodegradable Polymer Decomposition

    • Primary Process: Biodegradable polymers primarily undergo hydrolytic degradation, where water molecules break down the polymer chains.

    Sustainable Development Balance

    • To Achieve Balance: Sustainable development requires a balance between economic, environmental, and social considerations to ensure long-term well-being.

    'Smart' Biodegradable Polymers

    • Applications: 'Smart' biodegradable polymers find applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and controlled release systems due to their responsive properties.

    Enzymatic Polymerization

    • Enzymatic Polymerization: Enzymatic polymerization is primarily known for its ability to synthesize polymers under mild conditions with high specificity and control.

    High Molecular Weight PLA Synthesis

    • Process: Ring-opening polymerization (ROP) using a chain coupling agent is a common method for synthesizing high molecular weight PLA.

    PLA Characteristics

    • Non-Attributed Characteristic: PLA is crystalline, biocompatible, and biodegradable, but it's not inherently thermoplastic. It becomes thermoplastic upon heating.

    PLA Suitability for Bone Plates

    • Suitability: PLA's biocompatibility and biodegradability make it suitable for applications like bone plates, where it gradually degrades while the bone heals.

    PLA Safety

    • PLA Safety: PLA is considered a safe material for medical and food applications due to its non-toxic degradation products.

    PLA Application Advantages

    • Suitable Application: Due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability, PLA is particularly well-suited for pharmaceutical packaging and controlled drug delivery systems.

    PLA Thermal Properties

    • Thermal Properties: PLA exhibits a glass transition temperature (Tg) around 60°C and a melting temperature (Tm) around 170°C, making it suitable for processing and forming.

    PLA Research Area

    • Prominent Research Area: PLA is most prominently studied for its potential in biomedical applications, particularly in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and bioresorbable implants.

    Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Production

    • Production: PVA can be produced from polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) through hydrolysis, a process that converts the acetate groups into hydroxyl groups.

    PVA Solubility in Water

    • Solubility: PVA's high polarity due to its hydroxyl groups makes it soluble in water.

    PVA as Sizing Agent

    • Sizing Agent: PVA is commonly used as a sizing agent in the textile industry, where it strengthens and smooths the fabric.

    PVA-based Adhesives Popularity

    • Popularity: PVA-based adhesives are popular due to their excellent adhesion to various materials, non-toxicity, and water-resistance.

    PVA Film Barrier Applications

    • Barrier Properties: The barrier properties of PVA films are utilized in various applications, including food packaging, as they can protect against moisture, oxygen, and grease.

    PVA Molecular Weight Range

    • Molecular Weight Range: PVA's molecular weight typically ranges from 20,000 to 100,000 g/mol, affecting properties like viscosity and strength.

    Polyvinyl Alcohol Statements

    • Correct Statement: PVA is a synthetic water-soluble polymer made through the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc).

    Polyvinyl Alcohol Description

    • Non-Descriptive Feature: PVA is not typically considered a biodegradable polymer, despite its water solubility. It can take a long time to decompose in the environment.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Unit 4 Part B Biopolymers PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores key concepts and applications related to biodegradable polymers, including their synthesis and significance in sustainable development. Test your knowledge on the processes, types, and benefits of using biodegradable materials in various fields.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser