Plant- Versus Petroleum-Based Plastics
Document Type
Poster
Campus where you would like to present
Ellensburg
Event Website
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source
Start Date
18-5-2020
Abstract
In recent years, the amount of plastic waste has become a huge environmental issue. This paper describes the history of plastics, the pros and cons to its uses, how plastics are made and how they degrade, and finally to describe solutions to the problem of growing plastic waste. Most plastics are made by one of two chemical syntheses: addition (chain growth) or condensation (step growth) polymerization. Most common plastics are derived from petroleum, but some are derived from plants. Biodegradable plastics can be derived from petroleum or plants, but they are more expensive to produce and can be lacking in performance. Arguably the most impactful solution to the problem of increasing plastic pollution would be to implement the use of reusable packaging and containers. Other solutions include implementing more recycling facilities and using shorter-lifespan materials, such as biodegradable plastics or paper, for single-use purposes.
Recommended Citation
Gower, Hayley, "Plant- Versus Petroleum-Based Plastics" (2020). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 35.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2020/COTS/35
Department/Program
Chemistry
Additional Mentoring Department
https://cwu.studentopportunitycenter.com/2020/04/where-it-comes-from-and-where-it-goes-the-benefits-and-detriments-of-plastic/
Plant- Versus Petroleum-Based Plastics
Ellensburg
In recent years, the amount of plastic waste has become a huge environmental issue. This paper describes the history of plastics, the pros and cons to its uses, how plastics are made and how they degrade, and finally to describe solutions to the problem of growing plastic waste. Most plastics are made by one of two chemical syntheses: addition (chain growth) or condensation (step growth) polymerization. Most common plastics are derived from petroleum, but some are derived from plants. Biodegradable plastics can be derived from petroleum or plants, but they are more expensive to produce and can be lacking in performance. Arguably the most impactful solution to the problem of increasing plastic pollution would be to implement the use of reusable packaging and containers. Other solutions include implementing more recycling facilities and using shorter-lifespan materials, such as biodegradable plastics or paper, for single-use purposes.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2020/COTS/35
Faculty Mentor(s)
JoAnn Peters