Currently, the main raw materials for producing degradable bags on the market are PLA and PBAT, and generally, a single raw material is not used directly. However, today we will focus on the source, chemical properties, industrial costs, and other aspects of polylactic acid (PLA).
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a type of microbially degradable material produced from natural plant starch via microbial fermentation engineering technology. This degradable material possesses unique properties such as complete biodegradability, biocompatibility, hydrophobicity, excellent barrier properties, piezoelectricity, and nonlinear optical activity, while also exhibiting the thermoplastic processability of petrochemical resins. PLA can be processed through technologies including injection molding, extrusion blow molding (for films), cast film extrusion, extrusion blow molding (for hollow products), and compression molding to manufacture shaped products, films, and containers; it can also be compounded with other materials. The applications of PLA biodegradable materials span various fields such as high-grade packaging materials, biodegradable drug delivery systems, implantable biomaterials, medical and healthcare products, and agricultural films.
PLA is one of the primary sources of organic matter accumulated in microorganisms and serves as a nutrient for them. When microorganisms enter a state of starvation, this nutrient can be decomposed by hydrolytic enzymes in their bodies to release energy, analogous to animal fats.
Currently, research on PLA mainly focuses on two major directions:
Research on reducing the industrialization cost of PLA and improving its processing performance. Examples include using genetically engineered bacteria and transgenic plants for PLA production, and modifying PLA through blending with other fully biodegradable materials to enhance its properties.
Research on synthetic strains and processes for medium-to-long-chain PLA containing special functional groups such as vinyl, cyano, phenyl, fluorine, and chlorine.
From the above explanation, it can be concluded that packaging bags made from genuine degradable materials are undoubtedly environmentally friendly and will not cause pollution to the natural environment.
Article Title: Are Degradable Eco-Friendly Bags Truly Environmentally Friendly? URL: https://en.szxylp.com/technical-data/are-degradable-eco-friendly-bags-truly-environmentally-friendly.html