Biodegradable Plastic Lab Background to its low cost and moldable Plastic is a p
ID: 164823 • Letter: B
Question
Biodegradable Plastic Lab Background to its low cost and moldable Plastic is a prevalent product in most modern households due chi ains properties. Plastics are made from petroleum and consist of hydrocarbon that cannot be biodegraded in a landfi In order to broken must be exposed for hundreds of years to moisture, UV light, and enzymes. Only about one third of all plastic products are recycled, making plastics a major contributor to the overall weight of solid a landfill. Bioplastics alternative plastics. These new plastics are made from renewable, plant-based sources such as pectin, cellulose, and starches. Question Will petroleum-based plastic or bioplastic biodegrade at a faster rate? Materials: coffee cup plastic cooking 2 small plant pots aluminum foil spoon potting soil safety goggles c. half and half 5 plastic buttons permanent marker cream 5 small bioplastic 1 t of white vinegar buttons pot holder Water thick paper towels small nonstick or cheesecloth saucepan Procedure: 1. Make a hypothesis. (Should answer the question to the lab) 2. In this lab you will be heating substances as well as using a mild acid. Use caution with the stove and it is suggested that you use safety goggles. 3. Make bioplastic buttons: a. Pour 1/2 c. of half and half cream into the small saucepan. Heat half and half over med, high heat until the cream begins to foam. Remove pan from the heat. b. Add 1 t of white vinegar to cream and stir. The half and half will begin to clump. c. Create a filter by putting two paper towels or cheesecloth over the opening of a coffee cup. Tuck the paper towels or cheesecloth into the coffee cup. d. Pour the cream mixture into the coffee cup. Be sure collect all of the clumps from the pan. e. Allow the cream mixture (or curds to cool for 5 minutes. After this time lift the paper towels or cheesecloth our of the cup and squeeze out any excess liquid. f, open up the paper towels or cheesecloth and you will see a white, cheese-like plastic. g. Shape several buttons approximately the same size as your petroleum based buttons and place on the aluminum foilExplanation / Answer
Bioplastic degrade at a faster rate because it is made up of biodegradable materials like starches, pectin and cellulose.
1a. Biodegradable waste can decompose at a faster rate because in the landfill, microorganisms can make use of it.
Nonbiodegradable waste cannot be decomposed because microorganisms cannot make use of it.
1b. Biodegradable waste: Vegetable and fruit peels, food waste, leaves, paper
Nonbiodegradable waste: Plastic, glass
1c. Petroleum based plastic is bad for the environment as it remains undecomposed for hundreds of years. It leaches toxic gases and occupy the land which is not accessible to plants.
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