Bio Polymers

Today, polymers are produced mainly from substances derived from oil and natural gas. These resources are not renewable resources. In addition, polymers becoming waste is an important solid waste problem. Tons of synthetic polymers are used, especially in applications such as packaging material production, and all of these polymers become waste in a very short time.

One of the most produced biopolymers in the world is starch. Thanks to its biocompatibility and biodegradability, it has found use in many sectors such as paper production, textiles and pharmacology. However, limitations in the mechanical properties of starch have brought about the use of this polymer together with polymers with better mechanical properties. Polylactic acid (PLA), one of the leading polymers that can be used together with starch, is a compostable, biodegradable and biocompatible polymer derived from renewable plant resources. The superior mechanical properties of PLA have caused it to be at the forefront among other biopolymers, and as people become more aware and the importance given to the environment increases, studies on these polymers have begun to increase rapidly. However, existing studies on the degradation of these polymers in the composting process, which is the most appropriate method for their disposal after they become waste, are not sufficient, and studies are needed to elucidate the degradation mechanism and accelerate the process.

Starch PLA polymer containing different amounts of lactic acid is synthesized with the Monomex twin screw extruder. The biodegradation properties of this synthesized polymer are examined in a controlled compost environment according to the ISO 14855-1:2013 standard. During the composting process, the temperature, humidity and oxygen amounts in the reactor are kept constant at the desired levels and the amount of CO2 released is measured. Synthesis of starch-PLA polymer occurs with Monomex twin screw extruder.