Methods of Assessment of Biodegradability and Chemical degradability of Petroleum based and Fermentation based Plastic films to Estimate the ways to make plastics eco-friendly

Plastic is one of the most consumable and useful material of modern times and its growing demand and consumption is not easy to check. But, the only hurdle in its prolonged use is its low rate of degradation in environment after being disposed of. This is because such products tend to accumulate in nature due to their excellent mechanical properties [2]. Thus, the present work highlights on the biodegradation rate of various synthetic polymers by calculating its elongation at break, the rupture load and loss in weight in various conditions in which these plastics are generally exposed of after use [1,2]. A comparative analysis was made by studying the degradation rate of Poly Lactic acid, a fermentation based biopolymer. Considering the fact that the plastics are generally associated with slightly acidic or slightly alkaline condition the degradation study was extended by immersing the samples in 0.1N HCl and 0.1N NaOH solution. Synthesization of a Thermoplastic starch was done by adding propane-1, 2, 3-triol as a plasticizer into potato starch (Figure 1).The TPS obtained was translucent and flexible, same as the conventional plastics and in order to test its degradation rate it was kept in landfill condition for 45 days and the loss in weight with increase of degradation period was observed. The above study also elaborates on the various other alternative methods like proper disposal systems, recycling, and production of useful substances from plastic waste which can be put into application to make plastics eco-friendly. Thus, with the accomplishment of above objective it is believed that the beneficiary and useful aspect of plastic will be maintained for the humanity by overcoming the threat posed by it to the environment.