BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS

BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS

Biodegradable plastics are plastics that are capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.

Two basic classes of biodegradable plastics exist: , Bioplastics whose components are derived from renewable raw materials and plastics made from petrochemicals with biodegradable e additives which enhance biodegradation.

The classes of biodegradable plastics considered, in terms of the degradation mechanism, are:

1) Biodegradable

2) Compostable

3) Hydro-biodegradable

4) Photo-biodegradable

5) Bioerodable

BIODEGRADABLE

Biodegredation is degradation caused by biological activity, particularly by enzyme action leading to significant changes in the materials chemical structure. In essence, biodegradable plastics should break down cleanly, in a defined time period, to simple molecules found in the environment such as carbon dioxide and water.

COMPOSTABLE

Compostable plastics are a subset of biodegradable plastics.

Compostable biodegradable plastics must be demonstrated to biodegrade and disintegrate in a compost system during the composting process (typically around 12 weeks at temperatures over 50°C). The compost must meet quality criteria such as heavy metal content, ecotoxicity, and no obvious distinguishable residues caused by the breakdown of the polymers.

HYDRO-BIODEGRADABLE AND PHOTO-BIODEGRADABLE

Hydro-biodegradable and photo-biodegradabe polymers are broken down in a two-step process - an initial hydrolysis or photo-degradation stage, followed by further biodegradation. Single degradation phase ‘water-soluble’ and ‘photodegradable’ polymers also exist.

BIOERODABLE

Many polymers that are claimed to be ‘biodegradable’ are in fact ‘bioerodable’ and degrade without the action of micro-organisms – at least initially. This is also known as abiotic disintegration, and may include processes such as dissolution in water, ‘oxidative embrittlement’ (heat ageing) or ‘photolytic embrittlement’ (UV ageing).

PLASTIC ( POLYTHENE) - BOON OR BANE

Why have we chosen the topic of plastic????

So,let me ask you all first. Why do you think we would have chosen this topic? Some of you might think that the reason behind this is that the use of plastic is becoming a major problem... While some of you might think that it is harmful for all. 
Well,the reason for choosing this topic is that we all use it everyday but have very little knowledge about the same. And this is the reason why it has become a great issue. While some of us might know its ill-effects but not all. So, we have started this project to make more people aware about the same issue and we might take few steps to make our future generations safer. If not for all, think about the future of your children only.   

Well, the reason behind this is very simple yet very devastating and precarious. Its not just that because our country “India” is suffering the undesirable consequences of usage of plastic bags but the truth is that one corner or the other corner of world is suffering with this problem and the detrimental effects of this can be seen worldwide……

Its hard to believe that 1 trillion plastic bags are used annually worldwide. Australia, the second highest producer of waste dumps 429,000 bags every hour. Then another great country, China uses 3 billion plastic bags by consuming an estimated 5 million tons of crude oil annually. Other such countries are Rwanda, Italy, Ireland, South Africa and the list goes on……Its because of the fear of devastating effects of using plastic bags that these countries have adopted bag limits in recent years.

The aim of our project is to minimize the use of plastic bags by coming up with new ideas with alternatives to plastic bags and by creating awareness in the societies that what they are using is a weapon that will swirl the world in such a way that they themselves won’t be able to live in it…Through this project we want to seek measures to solve this worldwide issue because if it is not solved now then this time along with this opportunity to solve it will slip from our hands when we will no longer be able to live the way we are living now. We are exploiting not only our future but our future generations also…

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

All of us are gifted by God in one way or the other.All you need is to explore your hidden potential which no other than you can do the best. YOU are your best judge. The more you know about yourself, the better your performance be.
Always motivate yourself on every   small or a big thing.