Biodegradable Plastics

Fiona Rioux
Independent Research
Period 2
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Independent Research Class
In this unique class, we will...

Independently research subject of our choice, narrowing it to become a research

question

Explore current research into our developed question and thesis

Conduct our own research using various forms of research design

Develop a final product, website, and paper showcasing the results

Does the Net Work?
Yes, it does!

We do our research primarily on the Internet!

We also network with people studying related fields in

order to choose mentors to help us develop our
research topic
My Mentor:
To Be Determined,

Not many people

work in this field
yet

I am hoping to
contact someone
soon, in a related
area
Ga ps In Th e Knowl edge B ase
Current Biodegradable Plastics: Not The Solution?!?!
● Costs more than regular plastic $$$$$$$

● Doesn’t biodegrade in a natural environment, but is made of natural materials,

which is a start

Source: Biodegradable Plastics. (n.d.) Retrieved January 22, 2019, from

http://www.pepctplastics.com/resources/connecticut-plastics-learning-center/biodegradable-plastics/
Narrowing...
Worldwide: 332 million tonnes produced 2015

335 million tonnes produced 2016

● Thermoset Plastics - Rigid

● Thermoplastics - Malleable after heating Most produced plastic, often used

in composites (nanowhiskers give strength)

Plastics numbered 4, 1, 5, 6, 3, 2
How Plastics Are Made. (n.d.) Retrieved January 22, 2019, from https://www.plasticseurope.org/en/about-plastics/what-are-plastics/how-plastics-are-
made

Polymer and Plastic Composites Information. (n.d.) Retrieved January 22, 2019, from
https://www.globalspec.com/learnmore/materials_chemicals_adhesives/composites_textiles_reinforcements/fiber_reinforced_plastics_frp_smc_prepr
egs
Research Question, Hypothesis, and Direction
Given current research, what biodegradable thermoplastic
material performs the best as a plastic composite?
Variety of sources in different areas makes predictions complicated

The most current thinking: many ways to make bioplastics, not just a single
production process or way to produce it, scientists discovering more about it

Research Types:
Meta-analysis

Experiment
Conclusions

Discarded plastics are bad for the environment

Biodegradable plastics today are not optimum

End Goal: Improve knowledge about optimum

bioplastic types and methods of production for people
to look into