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Biodegradable Plastics

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Summary

Areas of Science
Difficulty
 
Time Required
Very Long (1+ months)
*Note: For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.

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Abstract

Plastics are made of polymers, chemical structures containing many repeated subunits. How does the polymer type of a plastic affect the biodegradability of the plastic? Do research on how plastic is made and what types of polymers are used for making different plastics. Can you learn to make your own plastic? What materials can you use for making plastic that is biodegradable? Test biodegradability by burying plastic samples for different lengths of time. (Kadar, 2004) Reducing solid waste and consumption of non-renewable resources are both worthy goals. Coming up with a biodegradable plastic gets you only part of the way there. In order to be a substitute for petroleum-based plastics, a biodegradable plastic needs additional material properties that available plastics have. For a more advanced project, consider these other properties, too. For example, would a biodegradable plastic be strong? Inexpensive? Would it last long enough to do its job?

Bibliography

Kadar, Z.J., 2004. "Biodegradable Plastic, "California State Science Fair Project Abstract [accessed April 26, 2006] http://cssf.usc.edu/History/2004/Projects/J1124.pdf.
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Global Connections

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

This project explores topics key to Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Careers

If you like this project, you might enjoy exploring these related careers:

Career Profile
Chemical engineers solve the problems that affect our everyday lives by applying the principles of chemistry. If you enjoy working in a chemistry laboratory and are interested in developing useful products for people, then a career as a chemical engineer might be in your future. Read more
Career Profile
What makes it possible to create high-technology objects like computers and sports gear? It's the materials inside those products. Materials scientists and engineers develop materials, like metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, that other engineers need for their designs. Materials scientists and engineers think atomically (meaning they understand things at the nanoscale level), but they design microscopically (at the level of a microscope), and their materials are used macroscopically… Read more

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General citation information is provided here. Be sure to check the formatting, including capitalization, for the method you are using and update your citation, as needed.

MLA Style

Science Buddies Staff. "Biodegradable Plastics." Science Buddies, 28 July 2017, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/MatlSci_p034/materials-science/biodegradable-plastics. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

APA Style

Science Buddies Staff. (2017, July 28). Biodegradable Plastics. Retrieved from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/MatlSci_p034/materials-science/biodegradable-plastics


Last edit date: 2017-07-28
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