Corn Starch Biodegradable Grocery Bag

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), PBAT, is a synthetic and 100% biodegradable polymer based on fossil resources.PBAT is made from renewable resources such as sugar cane and corn starch and is a copolymer of polybutylene adipate and terephthalic acid.Being biodegradable, PBAT polymers are suitable for use in active food packaging. The properties of PBAT-based films can be modified by incorporating other polymers and bioactive compounds. Functional packaging materials based on PBAT can improve packaged foods' quality and shelf life.PBAT is flexible and tough, making it suitable for a wide range of applications such as food packaging, agriculture films, and biodegradable shopping bags.PBAT is hydrophobic and its water absorption is negligible.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable as well as recyclable polyester made from renewable feedstock. Lactic acid as the raw material is produced by fermentation of glucose or sucrose and is refined to a high purity.PLA is a safe food substance that can be used in food containers. It is a commonly used material for food packaging due to its biodegradability and non-toxic composition. The chemical properties of the raw materials used make PLA a durable and eco-friendly alternative to plastics.Polylactic acid (PLA) is an easy-to-process, biocompatible, biodegradable plastic.PLA polymer is biodegradable, compostable, and renewable thermoplastic polyester which is mainly derived from corn starch. The monomer lactic acid (LA) of PLA is derived from natural sources. LA is produced using bacterial fermentation of corn, sugarcane, potatoes, and other biomass.As such, it is used for medical implants like stents and implantable drug dispensers that are designed to biodegrade over time. PLA is used in food packaging and disposable cutlery and can be formed into fibers for clothing.The PLA end product can be used for injection molding, film extrusion and forming, blow molding, thermoforming, and fiber spinning.PLA is a high-strength and high-modulus thermoplastic with a good appearance. It has high stiffness and strength, comparable to polystyrene (PS) at room temperature.PLA can be easily processed using common techniques like injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and 3D printing.PLA is not soluble in water, alcohols, and linear hydrocarbons. Crystalline PLLA cannot be dissolved in acetone, ethyl acetate, or tetrahydrofuran. It is worth mentioning that polymer properties can change after processing, because of thermal and mechanical stresses.PLA is biodegradable, thanks to its compostability. However, its compostability has historically been limited due to the requirement for high and constant temperatures, restricting its usage to industrial installations.