Biodegradable Plastics
Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS), made from petroleum-based polymers, are not expensive and durable, so they are used in many plastic products. Recently, the environmental pollution problem caused by microplastics has become a global concern, and how to limit their impact on the environment is being discussed. In order to reduce plastic waste, the development of eco-friendly alternative materials is being promoted. As an alternative, biomass plastics and biodegradable plastics are becoming more widely available.
Biodegradable Plastics are plastics decomposed into low-molecular compounds by microorganisms in the environment. So they break down easily in nature, which is the opposite characteristic of petroleum-based plastics. They are recommended for single-use products. At this time, it is true they are inferior to petroleum-based plastics in durability and functionality, so research and development of new materials are ongoing for a reliable solution.
Qualitative and Thermal Analysis for Degradable plastic bags
Qualitative analysis is conducted using a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR) and thermal analysis is conducted using a differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) for oxo-biodegradable and biodegradable plastic bags. These testing methods are utilized for new material development.
Infrared absorption spectra of oxo-biodegradable (O-BD1，O-BD2， O-BD3) and biodegradable (BD-1)
Infrared absorption spectra of oxo-biodegradable (O-BD1，O-BD2， O-BD3) and biodegradable (BD-1) are similar with the spectrum of polyethylene plastic bags. It also shows that those plastic bags contain the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as an inorganic filler corresponding to the specific absorption peak caused by CaCO3.
This data is the TGA curves of each plastic bag. This shows each bag has different thermal features. Click below to see the detail.
Quantitative Analysis for Single-use Biodegradable Plastic Products
Single-use biodegradable plastic products (Left) and Infrared absorption spectra of spoon and PLA (Right)
The result of FT-IR analysis for the single-use biodegradable plastic spoon is very similar with PLA resin. It also shows some peaks coming from talc filled in products are observed in the spectrum.
(links to Shimadzu Europa GmbH website)
Evaluation of Degradability of Biodegradable Plastics
It is important to understand the degradable process of biodegradable plastics for new material development and environmental considerations. There are now some projects under ISO and other organizations to evaluate the degradability of biodegradable plastics. We are also considering how to contribute to the evaluation of degradability utilizing our analytical technologies as the Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyzer, Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometry, and other measurement methods.
Related Documents
Analysis of Total Lactic Acid by Dissolution Test of Synthetic Resin Container Containing Polylactic Acid as the Main Component
In general, biodegradable plastics are defined as plastics that have the same durability as normal plastics but that are completely decomposed into carbon dioxide and water by the action of naturally occurring microorganisms after use. Among them is PLA, a sustainable material made from plant-derived starch and sugar.
GPC Analysis of Synthetic Resin Containers Composed Mainly of Polylactic Acid
Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis using a refractive index detector is widely used to measure the molecular weight distribution of synthetic polymers such as biodegradable plastics. In GPC analysis, the longer the column length, the better the separation, but the longer analysis time increases in proportion to the length, and eluent consumption is higher.