Polymers
A polymer is a macromolecule or a large molecule which consists of monomers; that are sub-units that are repeating. They consist of a large number of properties due to which the natural and synthetic polymers both play an important role in daily lives. These polymers range from natural bio-polymers as Proteins and DNA to synthetic polymers like plastic. Both these polymers are made through the process of polymerization of a large number of monomers.
Bio-Based Polymers
The terms Bio-based polymers and renewably sourced mean the same for polymers as they include the materials that include carbon that originates from a plant source that includes renewable material. Renewably sourced materials include a minimum of twenty percent material from plant source; for example, sugarcane or corn can produce bio-based polymers. Many bio-based polymers are commercialized like isosorbide polycarbonate; polycarbonate is used instead of petroleum-based carbonate . One of the benefits of bio-based polymers includes less use of fossil fuels.
Bio-Degradable Polymers
These polymers break down after the specific purpose to create natural by-products like, biomass, inorganic salts and water. These are found both synthetically and naturally and include ether, amide and ester function groups. The syntheses of these polymers are done by metal catalysts, ring opening polymerization, and condensation reactions . Bio-degradable polymers that include hydrolysable chemical bonds are extensively researched for packaging, agriculture, pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.
Future Trends of Bio-based Polymers and their current progress
The bio-based polymers have been attracting a lot of attention because of the realization of finite global resources of petroleum and the increasing environmental problems. They provide a variety of properties of new combinations for new and different purposes, and they also replace the current polymers that exist. They hold a small amount of the total market of plastic globally and currently hold less than one percent of the global market. Considering this rate, it is stated that bio-based polymers are expected to account only a little over one percent by the year 2015 . Algae produce oil, which is one of the bio-based products that are likely to replace fossil fuels in the future. These oils have different compositions, and some of them are even similar to hydrocarbons that exist in petroleum. Algae also produce polysaccharides, isoprenoids and proteins. The environmental factor also plays a part in what types of oils are produced by the algae . The use of these bio-based products will replace fossil fuels in the future to make plastic.
Future Trends of Bio-Degradable Polymers and their current progress
The biodegradable polymers (BPs) are made from different materials like polyesters, cellulose and starch. These materials come from plant sources and are mixed with synthetic polymers to produce BPs. The amount of these materials can be varied in order to achieve different properties of polymers and is used for application of trays, films, toothbrush handles, packing foam, spoons, etc. . For decades, the different nature groups have been creating awareness among the people to take small steps and make the environment a friendly one. The reason being that pollution has taken its toll and is haring the world in many dangerous ways.
One of the examples of this is the paper. We use paper in our daily lives in a lot of different forms, some of which are paper plates, paper cups, parking tickets, receipts, brown paper bags, notebooks, napkins, etc. A lot of recycling bins are seen placed around the streets, and people are encouraged to throw the used paper in it. This also benefits nature, because in order to make paper, the tree is destroyed completely; so recycling the paper would stop the trees from being cut in order to make paper . The farmers also use kitchen waste as fertilizers and mix them with soil. The waste provides nutrients for plants to grow as well as stop the pollution from spreading. A lot of companies, groups, and NGOs are working in this regard to spread awareness among the people and increase the use of biodegradable products.
Bibliography
Babu, R. P., Connor, K., & Seeram, R. (2013). Current progress on bio-based polymers and their future trends. Springer Open Journal.
Mohan, R. (2011). Bio-degradable products. Buzzle. Retrieved from: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/biodegradable-products-list.html
Schlutter, D. (2012). Synthesis of Polymers: New Structures and Methods, Volume 1. New York: John Wiley and Sons.
