1. Are polymers sustainable?
- To recall the common polymers and their applications - To investigate the benefits of biodegradable polymers and how they work
Are polymers sustainable?

2. Biodegradable polymers
- To recall the common polymers and their applications - To investigate the benefits of biodegradable polymers and how they work
Biodegradable polymers
Conventional polymers are a by-product of petro-chemicals
These are detrimental on the environment including not being degradable
Biodegradable polymers have designed to degrade under certain conditions

3. Polylactides (PLA) - Starched-based polymers
- To recall the common polymers and their applications - To investigate the benefits of biodegradable polymers and how they work
Polylactides (PLA) - Starched-based polymers
These are derived from renewable sources such as potatoes, corn, wheat and pine trees
They are transparent and has similar properties to polyethylene
They are used for plastic bottles, plastic bags, gardening products, babies nappies and medical implants
They are degradable through micro-organisms
They are much weaker then conventional polymers

4. PHAs - Polyhydroxyalkanoate (Biopol) PHBs - Poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate
- To recall the common polymers and their applications - To investigate the benefits of biodegradable polymers and how they work
PHAs and PHBs
PHAs - Polyhydroxyalkanoate (Biopol)
PHBs - Poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate
These are produced by using bacteria to aid in the fermenting plant sugars.
These have similar properties to polypropylene
They are used for plastic food packaging and also are used widely in medicine for slow-release medication, implants and bone plates
They are degradable through micro-organisms

5. Oxo-degradable polymers
- To recall the common polymers and their applications - To investigate the benefits of biodegradable polymers and how they work
Oxo-degradable polymers
These are additives that can be used in conventional polymers to greatly reduce there degradation
The additives helps break the polymer down into a fine white powder after exposure to heat, oxygen or moisture
This powder is easier for micro-organisms to breakdown
Photo-degradable polymers can also be added and help a polymer to be broken down by exposure to UV light
This additve can be added to numerous polymers such as PE, PVC, PP, PET and PS

6. Water-soluble polymers
- To recall the common polymers and their applications - To investigate the benefits of biodegradable polymers and how they work
Water-soluble polymers
These are polymers which quickly biodegrade in water
They are very weak but have start to be widely used in the laundry industry
They are use for detergent capsules for consumer use and one-use laundry bags in hospitals

7. How will it look in the exam?
What is meant by a biodegradable polymer? (2 marks) What is an oxo-degradable polymer? Name a type of biodegradable polymer along with an application for it?