Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary source from which conventional plastics are derived?
What is the primary source from which conventional plastics are derived?
Which type of bioplastic is the most widely used?
Which type of bioplastic is the most widely used?
What major environmental issue is associated with burning conventional plastics?
What major environmental issue is associated with burning conventional plastics?
Which bioplastic is made from cellulose esters and commonly used in thermoplastics?
Which bioplastic is made from cellulose esters and commonly used in thermoplastics?
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What is NOT a property of conventional plastics mentioned in the content?
What is NOT a property of conventional plastics mentioned in the content?
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What type of materials are used to create protein based bioplastics?
What type of materials are used to create protein based bioplastics?
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In the provided content, which of the following is a suggested use for starch based bioplastics?
In the provided content, which of the following is a suggested use for starch based bioplastics?
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What is a significant drawback of conventional plastics regarding their environmental impact?
What is a significant drawback of conventional plastics regarding their environmental impact?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding the decomposition of plastics?
Which of the following statements is true regarding the decomposition of plastics?
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How do bioplastics compare to conventional plastics in terms of raw material sourcing?
How do bioplastics compare to conventional plastics in terms of raw material sourcing?
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What type of plastics break down when exposed to sunlight?
What type of plastics break down when exposed to sunlight?
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Which of the following bacteria is NOT mentioned as capable of degrading bioplastics?
Which of the following bacteria is NOT mentioned as capable of degrading bioplastics?
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What is the primary role of glycerol in potato starch-based bioplastics?
What is the primary role of glycerol in potato starch-based bioplastics?
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In the context of potato starch, what is the effect of HCl?
In the context of potato starch, what is the effect of HCl?
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What are the two carbohydrate polymers that make up potato starch?
What are the two carbohydrate polymers that make up potato starch?
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Which property of glycerol allows it to enhance the flexibility of bioplastics?
Which property of glycerol allows it to enhance the flexibility of bioplastics?
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Why is biodegradation significant in the context of bioplastics?
Why is biodegradation significant in the context of bioplastics?
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How does glycerol affect the polymer chains in starch-based bioplastic?
How does glycerol affect the polymer chains in starch-based bioplastic?
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Which environmental condition is NOT mentioned as part of the biodegradation process?
Which environmental condition is NOT mentioned as part of the biodegradation process?
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What is the primary ingredient in bioplastics mentioned in the content?
What is the primary ingredient in bioplastics mentioned in the content?
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Study Notes
Prayer Before Class
- Holy Spirit, the source of light and wisdom, is asked to dissipate intellectual darkness and ignorance.
- A penetrating mind, retentive memory, and ease of learning are requested for comprehension and expression.
- Guidance to complete work successfully, through Jesus Christ, is sought.
Post-Laboratory Discussion: Preparation of Biodegradable Plastics
- The discussion is for the Chemistry for Engineers Laboratory at UST General Santos.
Learning Objective
- Students will prepare a plastic film from potato starch.
Plastics
- Plastics are derived from crude oil (petroleum).
- Plastics rely heavily on fossil fuels.
- Burning plastics releases carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.
- Plastics take a long time to decompose.
Decomposition Times
- Batteries: 110 years
- Vegetable leaves/branches: 1-6 months
- Food waste: 1 month
- News paper: >1 month
- Office paper: 2 years
- Wax paper: 5 years
- Stub filter: 2-3 years
- Chewing gum: 30 years
- Natural fabrics clothing: 2-3 years
- Synthetic clothing: Up to 80 years
- Shoes (natural): 10 years
- Shoes (synthetic): 80 years
- Iron cans: 10 years
- Tin cans: 90 years
- Aluminum can: 500 years
- Polyethylene bags/plastic bottles: 100-200 years
- Baby diapers: 200-500 years
- Rubber tires: 120-140 years
- Glass: 1000 years
What are Bioplastics?
- Bioplastics are a form of plastic derived from renewable biomass sources like vegetable oil or corn starch.
Types of Bioplastics
- Starch-based: Primarily used for packaging and drug capsules. Made from natural starch.
- Cellulose-based: Made from cellulose esters and used as thermoplastics for packaging.
- Protein-based: Made from proteins (e.g., soy, wheat). Used for automobile body panels.
- Some aliphatic polyesters: Another type of bioplastic.
Bioplastics vs. Petroleum-based Plastics
| Characteristics | Petroleum-based Plastics | Bioplastics |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | High | 48% lower |
| Raw Materials | Petroleum (non-renewable) | Biomass (renewable) |
| Carbon Footprint | High | 62% less CO2 emission |
| Presence of Chemicals | Bisphenol A (BPA) | No toxic chemicals |
| Physical Properties | Highly stable and thermoplastic | Equally stable and thermoplastic |
| Biodegradability | >1000 years to decompose | ~180 days to decompose |
Biodegradability
- Biodegradation is a process where microorganisms break down organic materials.
- Sunlight, water, bacteria, enzymes, and wind abrasion are involved.
Biodegradation of Bioplastics
- Several soil bacteria are capable of degrading bioplastics (e.g., Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus species).
- Potato starch-based bioplastics break down after exposure to water and these bacteria.
Degradable Plastics Types
- Biodegradable plastics: Contain a small percentage of non-oil-based materials (e.g., corn starch).
- Photodegradable plastics: Break down when exposed to sunlight.
Potato Starch
- A polymer made of joined glucose units.
- Two carbohydrate polymers: Amylose (long chain) and Amylopectin (highly branched).
- Commonly found in the majority of starch.
Potato Starch-Based Bioplastic
- HCl breaks down amylopectin, enabling film formation.
Purpose of Adding Glycerol
- Glycerol acts as a plasticizer, improving bioplastic flexibility and elasticity by disrupting hydrogen bonds in starch molecules.
- Increased flexibility of the film, due to glycerol acting upon the starch.
End of Discussion
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Description
This quiz focuses on the preparation of biodegradable plastics in the Chemistry for Engineers Laboratory at UST General Santos. Students will learn about the environmental impact of conventional plastics and the relevance of alternative materials like potato starch in reducing pollution. The discussion will involve the decomposition rates of various plastics and other materials.
