Acknowledgement
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the school principal Fr. Johny
Kanjirathinkal, Devagiri CMI Public School, Kozhikode for his constant
encouragement and providing us with the facilities to this project successfully.
I extend my hearty thanks to my chemistry teacher, Ms. Resmi M. and the lab
assistant Mrs. Swapna who guided me throughout the successful completion
of this project. I take this opportunity to express my deep sense of gratitude
for their constant guidance and encouragement, their constructive comments,
sympathetic attitude and immense motivation, which has been our strength all
throughout this project work.
I would like to thank my sincere thanks to my parents and my classmates who
helped me carry out this project successfully. I thank them for their valuable
advice and support.
I thank God Almighty for his grace and the successful completion of this project
in time.
Introduction
Plastics are synthetic materials made from polymers, long chains of molecules,
typically derived from petroleum or natural gas. Since their development in the
early 20th century, plastics have become a vital part of modern life due to their
versatility, durability, lightweight nature, and low cost. They are used in
everything from packaging, electronics, and medical devices to construction
materials and household products.
However, the widespread use of plastics has led to significant environmental
impacts, including:
1. Non-biodegradability: Most traditional plastics do not naturally break
down in the environment, leading to long-lasting pollution in oceans,
rivers, and landfills. They can take hundreds of years to decompose.
2. Micro plastics: Over time, larger plastic items break down into tiny
particles called microplastics, which can be harmful to marine life and
enter the food chain, posing potential risks to human health.
3. Fossil Fuel Dependence: Plastics are typically made from
petrochemicals, linking their production to the extraction and
consumption of fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas
emissions and climate change.
4. Ocean Pollution: A large portion of discarded plastic ends up in oceans,
creating massive waste patches, harming marine species, and disrupting
ecosystems. The most famous is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
5. Toxicity: Some plastics release harmful chemicals when they degrade or
are exposed to high temperatures. These toxins can have adverse effects
on wildlife and human health.
Despite their utility, plastics present a massive environmental challenge. This
has driven a push towards more sustainable alternatives, such as bio plastics
and increased recycling efforts, to minimize their negative impact on the
planet.
Index
1) Introduction
1.1 Defining Bioplastics
1.2 Types of Bioplastics
1.3 Application of Bioplastics
1.4 Advantages of Bioplastics
2) Comparative Study: Bioplastics vs. Petroplastics
Environmental impact
Degradability and lifecycle
Production costs and scalability
Raw materials and renewable resources
Carbon emissions and energy use
3) Experiment
3.1 Aim
3.2 Theory
3.3 Chemistry
4) Materials and Apparatus
5) Procedure
6) Observation
7) Conclusion
8) Bibliography
Defining Bioplastics
Bioplastics offer promising benefits, playing a key role in sustainability. They
are made from renewable resources like plants, reducing our dependence on
fossil fuels. A major advantage is their ability to be biodegradable or
compostable, meaning they break down naturally and reduce plastic waste in
landfills and oceans. Unlike traditional plastics, which can take hundreds of
years to decompose, some bioplastics break down much faster, addressing
plastic pollution.
Bioplastics have been around
since the early 20th century.
The first bioplastic, celluloid,
was made from plant
cellulose. In 1926, Maurice
Lemoigne discovered
polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB),
produced by bacteria, though
it wasn't widely used then.
Interest in bioplastics grew in the late 20th century due to concerns about
plastic pollution and fossil fuels, leading to the development of materials like
polylactic acid (PLA) from plants.
Beyond environmental benefits, bioplastics often have a lower carbon
footprint since plants absorb CO₂ as they grow. Innovations in bioplastic
technology are expanding their use across various industries, from packaging
and agriculture to medical devices and consumer goods. In summary,
bioplastics offer a sustainable alternative that reduces environmental impact
and supports a circular economy by using renewable resources and minimizing
waste.
Types of Bioplastics
Bioplastics come in various types, each designed to meet
specific needs and environmental goals. These include starch-
based, cellulose-based, protein-based, bio-derived
polyethylene, and aliphatic polyesters, each with unique
properties and applications.
1. Starch-Based Bioplastics
Made from plant starch (e.g., corn, potatoes).
Commonly used for food packaging and disposable items.
Easily biodegradable in composting conditions.
Cost-effective and widely available.
2. Cellulose-Based Bioplastics
Derived from plant cellulose (e.g., wood, cotton).
Used in films, coatings, and textiles.
Biodegradable and has good mechanical properties.
Can be less flexible compared to other types.
3. Protein-Based Bioplastics
Made from proteins (e.g., casein from milk, soy protein).
Used for food packaging and adhesives.
Biodegradable and can be composted.
Limited in water resistance and durability.
4. Bio-Derived Polyethylene
Produced from plant-based ethanol.
Similar properties to conventional polyethylene.
Not biodegradable but reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
Used in packaging and bottles.
5. Aliphatic Polyesters
Made from plant-derived acids and alcohols (e.g., PLA).
Used in packaging, agricultural films, and medical devices.
Biodegradable under industrial composting conditions.
Offers good mechanical strength and transparency.
Advantages
1. Environmental Benefits
Bioplastics help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which are used in
traditional plastics. By utilizing renewable resources like plants and
algae, bioplastics lower the carbon footprint associated with their
production. Additionally, many bioplastics are designed to be
biodegradable or compostable, which can significantly reduce plastic
waste in landfills and oceans.
2. Sustainability
Bioplastics are made from renewable materials, such as corn, sugarcane,
and algae, which can be replenished more quickly than fossil fuels. This
shift towards sustainable raw materials contributes to a decrease in
environmental impact and helps combat the depletion of non-renewable
resources.
3. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The production of bioplastics typically results in lower greenhouse gas
emissions compared to conventional plastics made from fossil fuels.
Plants used in bioplastics absorb CO₂ as they grow, which can offset
some of the emissions produced during manufacturing, thus
contributing to a reduction in overall carbon emissions.
4. Diverse Applications
Bioplastics are versatile and can be used in various applications, from
packaging and agricultural films to medical devices. This adaptability
allows for the development of specialized products that can meet
specific functional needs while also providing environmental benefits.
5. Improved Lifecycle Performance
Many bioplastics offer enhanced properties such as better strength,
flexibility, and transparency compared to traditional plastics. These
materials can be engineered to suit particular uses, such as stronger
packaging or clearer films, while also promoting
Applications of Bioplastics
1. Packaging
Bioplastics are increasingly used in packaging due to their environmental
benefits. Materials like PLA (polylactic acid) and PHA
(polyhydroxyalkanoates) are used for food packaging, beverage bottles,
and compostable bags. These bioplastics can help reduce plastic waste
and offer alternatives that break down more easily in composting
environments.
2. Consumer Electronics
In consumer electronics, bioplastics such as bio-based polycarbonate
and bio-derived polyethylene are used for casings, components, and
accessories. These materials provide similar performance to traditional
plastics but with a reduced environmental impact. They also help in
meeting eco-friendly product standards and reducing the carbon
footprint of electronic devices.
3. Medical
Bioplastics play a crucial role in the medical industry, offering
applications in biodegradable sutures, drug delivery systems, and
medical device components. Materials like PLA and PHA are used for
their biocompatibility and ability to degrade safely in the body or under
specific conditions, making them suitable for temporary implants and
disposable medical items.
Cosmetics
In the cosmetics industry, bioplastics are used for packaging products such as
bottles, tubes, and jars. Bio-based PET and PLA are commonly used for their
ability to be recycled or composted, contributing to more sustainable
packaging solutions. These materials help reduce the environmental impact of
cosmetic packaging while maintaining product safety and quality.
Comparative study: BIOPLASTIC VS
PETROPLASTIC
Bioplastics:
Made from renewable resources (e.g., corn starch, sugarcane).
Lower carbon footprint and can be biodegradable or compostable.
Many are designed to break down quickly in composting conditions.
Varied performance; suitable for packaging, medical devices, and
consumer goods.
Often more expensive and less scalable, but improving with
advancements.
Petroplastics:
Derived from non-renewable fossil fuels (e.g., oil, natural gas).
Higher carbon footprint; significant contributor to long-term plastic
pollution.
Typically non-biodegradable, taking hundreds of years to decompose.
Durable and versatile; used in packaging, electronics, construction, and
automotive parts.
Generally cheaper, more widely available, and highly scalable.
Experiment
Aim
To prepare bioplastics from common starch and to compare its characteristic
features with those of petro plastics.
Theory
Starch-based plastics Thermoplastic starch currently represents the most
widely used bioplastic, constituting about 50% of the bioplastic market. Pure
starch is able to absorb humidity. Flexibilisers such as sorbitol and glycerine
can also be added so that starch can be also be processed thermo plastically.
Starch-based bioplastics are often blended with biodegradable polyesters to
produce "thermoplastic starch".
Chemistry
Starches are polysaccharides long branched polymer chains consisting of sugar
molecules, as you heat the mixture consisting of sugar molecules and acetic
acid hydrolyse and break the bonds between the branches and results
information of long linear chains of saccharides/sugar. Glycerine makes the
mixture flexible and not brittle.
Materials Required:
1. 9.5 gm of starch
2. 60 ml of distilled water
3. 5 ml of glycerine
4. 5 ml of (5% acetic acid and water)
5. 100 ml beaker
6. Glass rod
7. Burner
8. Silicon baking sheet / Aluminium foil
Procedure
1. To a 100 ml beaker, add 60 ml of water and 9.5 gm of starch. Stir until
you get an even solution.
2. Add 5 ml of glycerine to the mixture and continue stirring.
3. Add 5 ml of (5% acid and water).
4. Heat the solution while stirring thoroughly and bring the mixture to a
gentle boil. The mixture will start out white and gradually change to
transparent or translucent, thickening in the process.
5. Once the initial white colour of starch is completely gone and the
mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat. Be cautious not to
overheat, as lumps may form. (Total heating time is approximately 10-15
minutes).
6. Slowly pour the sample onto a silicon baking sheet (or aluminium foil).
Use a glass rod to remove any remaining lumps and bubbles.
7. Allow the sample to dry undisturbed on the lab bench over the weekend
or several days until it is completely dry.
8. peel the film away from the sheet without creating any tears.
CHARACTERISTICS BIOPLASTICS PETROPLASTICS
TEXTURE Sticky Smooth
TRANSPARENCY More transparent Less transparent
ELASTICITY Less elastic More elastic
BIODEGRADABILITY Degradable Degradable in a long
time
WATER RESISTANCE Resistant More resistant
Observations
Result
Based on the data presented above, the plastic made from starch acquired the
mechanical properties of a biodegradable plastic. The product also confirmed
its degradability by degrading faster compared to commercial plastics. The
experiments prove that bioplastics are completely biodegradable .
Conclusions
Based on the results and data analysis, starch proves to be a viable alternative
for producing biodegradable plastic. Biodegradable plastics are relatively low-
cost, and the raw materials for their preparation are widely available. Although
commercial plastics have certain characteristics that make them more durable,
bioplastics degrade over time and are renewable. They benefit the
environment, require less energy to produce, are easier to recycle, are non-
toxic, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Bibliography
Bioplastics – Starch-based Bioplastic Materials. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.bioplastics.org/starch-based/
Green Dot Bioplastics. (2023). What are Bioplastics?. Retrieved from
https://www.greendotbioplastics.com/what-are-bioplastics/
European Bioplastics e.V. (2020). Market Development of Starch-based
Plastics. Retrieved from https://www.european-bioplastics.org/market/
Biodegradable Plastics: Starch as a Resource. (2019). Retrieved from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/starch-based-
bioplastic
