What are Biopolymers?

About Biopolymers:

• These are materials that have been manufactured from biological sources such as fats, vegetable oils, sugars, resins, and proteins.
• The biopolymers have complex structures than synthetic polymers therefore they are more active in vivo.
• Furthermore, as biopolymers are biodegradable their decomposition is easily done by bacteria in soil environment, as compared to synthetic polymers which causes environmental pollution due to incineration.
• Characteristics
  • They can control life processes of living organisms and are environmentally friendly.
  • They are decomposed by the processes named –oxidation (mainly reaction with oxygen), hydrolysis (decomposition by water) or by some enzymes. 
  • Some of them are compostable and can show some chemical properties in their surface.
  • Bio polymers like polylactic acid, polyglycolate , poly 3-hydroxy butyrate etc. may show plastic properties and instead.
• Benefits:
  • These polymers can reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and also decrease carbon emissions.
  • This happens because bio-degradation of these chemical compounds can release carbon dioxide that can be reabsorbed by crops grown as a substitute in their place.

Q1: What is Resin?

Resins are vicious, liquid polymers derived from organic or synthetic sources. Their benefit centres on their ability to transition from a liquid into a customisable solid, homogeneous structure. In polymer chemistry and materials science, resin is a solid or highly viscous substance of plant or synthetic origin that is typically convertible into polymers. Plants secrete resins for their protective benefits in response to injury. 

Source: Making another stride towards making India global leader in economy and frontline player in ensuring greener, cleaner planet, Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates India’s first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in Pune