Plastic degradation means that high molecular weight polymers have reached the end of their life cycle, and their molecular weights have decreased, which is manifested by plastic brittle, cracked, softened, hardened, and loss of mechanical strength. The degradation of ordinary plastic bags requires decades or even hundreds of years. Over time, landfills or incineration of non-degradable plastic bags will pollute the environment. In order to protect the environment, there is the invention of degradable plastic bags.
Degradable plastic bags are those that add a certain amount of additives (such as starch, modified starch or other cellulose, photosensitizers, degradants, etc.) during the production process to reduce their stability and are easier to degrade in the natural environment. Plastic bags.
What are the types of biodegradable plastic bags?
1. Light-degradable plastic bags
The photosensitizer is mixed into the plastic, and the plastic is gradually decomposed under sunlight. It belongs to an earlier generation of degradable plastics. Its disadvantage is that the degradation time is difficult to predict due to sunlight and climate changes, so the degradation time cannot be controlled.
2. Biodegradable plastic bags
Under the action of microorganisms, plastics can be completely decomposed into low-molecular compounds. It is characterized by convenient storage and transportation, as long as it is kept dry, does not need to be protected from light, and has a wide range of applications. It can not only be used for agricultural mulch film and packaging bags, but also widely used in the field of medicine. With the development of modern biotechnology, more and more attention has been paid to biodegradable plastics, and they have become a new generation of research and development hotspots.
3. Light/biodegradable plastic bags
A type of plastic that combines photodegradation and microorganisms. It has the characteristics of both photodegradation and microorganism degradation.
4. Water-degradable plastic bags
Water-absorbent substances are added to plastics, which can be dissolved in the water after use. They are mainly used for medical and sanitary appliances (such as medical gloves) for easy destruction and disinfection.