Testing and Characterization of 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 that are decomposed into low-molecular compounds by microorganisms in the environment. So they break down easily in nature, which is an 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 the features of durability and functionality, so research and development of new materials is on going for a reliable solution.