Traditional plastic products have a serious impact on the environment during production and recycling, and are one of the unresolved environmental pollution problems. Degradable materials are not only environmentally friendly, but also promote resource recycling and sustainable use, and have become an important solution for global efforts to address plastic pollution.
Degradable materials refer to materials that are degraded into small molecules such as carbon dioxide, water, organic matter, etc. under natural conditions such as soil, water environment, light, or specific conditions such as composting or composting conditions, by natural factors such as microorganisms or light.
The application fields of biodegradable raw materials are very wide, mainly including the following aspects:
1. Food and packaging field:
Degradable raw materials are widely used in food packaging, including food bags, supermarket shopping bags, fast food tableware, express packaging bags, etc. For example, PLA (polylactic acid) and PBAT (poly (adipic acid/butylene terephthalate)) are commonly used biodegradable plastics that can be completely decomposed into carbon dioxide and water during the degradation process, without polluting the environment. Mainly used in the food industry such as biodegradable straws, disposable tableware, paper plastic composite paper cups, as well as packaging materials such as disposable shopping bags, express bags, and cosmetics packaging. These products can naturally degrade after use, reducing environmental pollution.
2. In the field of agriculture：
Biodegradable materials are used for agricultural film, compost bags, etc., which can effectively reduce soil pollution. Traditional plastic film is difficult to degrade, while biodegradable film can naturally decompose after use, protecting land resources. Mainly used in agricultural fields such as agricultural film, compost bags, and slow-release carriers for pesticides.
3. Medical field:
Degradable materials also have important applications in the medical field, mainly used for surgical sutures, artificial bones, artificial skin, medical stents, etc. These materials have good biocompatibility and degradability, which can reduce the risk of rejection and infection in patients. Mainly used in medical materials such as surgical sutures, artificial bones, artificial skin, medical stents, orthopedic needles, stents, wound dressings, and implant devices.
4. Other fields:
Textiles, electronic products, automobiles, and transportation, among others, in the textile industry, textiles made from biodegradable materials have good environmental performance and can decompose in specific environments, reducing the burden on the environment.
Classification and degradation methods of biodegradable raw materials:
According to the degradation method, it can be divided into photodegradable materials, biodegradable materials, etc.
According to material composition: including bio based biodegradable materials (such as PLA), petroleum based biodegradable materials (such as PBAT), etc.
