Corn starch plastic is a substitute for petroleum-based plastics produced from fermented corn flour. The product contributes to the development of the bioplastic trend and significantly improves the impact of traditional plastics on the environment. Basically, corn starch plastic also possesses all the characteristics and applications of conventional plastics. Refer to the article below for more detailed information on this material!
1. Definition and characteristics of corn starch plastic
Corn starch plastic is a bioplastic extracted from corn starch polymer. The main ingredient is fermented corn flour combined with alkenes, so they are guaranteed to be biodegradable and safe for consumers' health.
In addition, cornstarch plastic also contains organic polymers of glucose and cornstarch polymers obtained from the endosperm of corn kernels. Therefore, the ability to recycle and use as waste in other industries of this type of plastic is highly appreciated.
Main components of corn starch plastic
Basically, cornstarch plastic not only ensures the saving of fossil fuels such as petroleum but also has a cheaper price than traditional PLA plastics from oil. In particular, they also possess 5 specialized properties, specifically as follows:
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Very low flammability because of the use of cornstarch polymer. This shows that cornstarch bioplastic minimizes the risk of explosion or fire during the production process compared to petroleum-based plastic materials.
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The ability to balance and regulate the endocrine system of cornstarch plastic is also very good because it does not contain BPA and Phthalate.
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Conventional plastics will have a strong odor in the early stages of production. However, the scent of bioplastics in general and cornstarch plastics in particular will be very pleasant because the main ingredients are from nature, good food.
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Cornstarch plastics are easily dissolved with other plastic additives, helping them significantly improve the characteristics according to the needs of manufacturers such as: Anti-ultraviolet, anti-oxidation or moisture resistance. This significantly improves competitive advantages in the market.
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In addition, cornstarch plastics can also be combined with fats or food oils because their main ingredients are derived from nature. Meanwhile, petroleum-based plastics will easily appear: Fish scales, opaque color, ... when in contact with food oil.
Products made from corn starch plastic replace conventional petroleum-based plastics
These properties have helped cornstarch plastics be applied in key industries to ensure product quality and consumer health. Refer to the next section now!
2. Practical applications of corn starch plastic
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Corn starch plastic is used in key industries such as: Electronic equipment manufacturing, automobiles, agriculture, restaurants & hotels or packaging.
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Among the components of starch-based bioplastics are cellulose, protein and chitosan. This is a group of non-toxic components when exposed to heat sources, so corn starch plastic is used to produce disposable products such as: Forks, knives, spoons, or packaging.
Corn starch plastic is used to produce disposable products
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In addition, manufacturers will use additional bioplastic additives to improve tensile strength and applications in the textile industry. In essence, the Polylactic Acid (PLA) group mainly contains corn starch and fermented sugar to perfectly replace the group of materials with artificial polymers.
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Therefore, they can be used to produce kitchen appliances or everyday items. Currently, the tourism industry is also moving towards using bioplastic and cornstarch products to reduce plastic waste in the environment. Because the decomposition time of natural PLA plastic is faster than artificial.
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For the automotive industry, cornstarch plastic is used to produce airbags because of its light weight, no strong odor and high tensile strength. After cornstarch plastic products have finished their life cycle, they will enter the process of decomposing into humus and be used in the agricultural industry as fertilizer to support plant growth.
Corn starch plastic is widely used in daily products
5 characteristics and practical applications of cornstarch plastic have proven the benefits of bioplastic materials in general. In the next part, EuroPlas will continue to introduce to customers the unimaginable benefits of cornstarch plastic. Don't miss it!
Corn starch plastic is used to produce packaging to replace nylon bags that are difficult to decompose
3. The incredible benefits of corn starch plastic
Protecting consumers' health is the top priority of plastic raw material manufacturers. Corn starch plastic is a bioplastic containing benign ingredients such as corn starch, fermented sugar, etc., so it not only does not have a strong smell like conventional plastic but also does not affect consumers' health.
The decomposition time is significantly shortened compared to traditional plastic products. For example, in the field of plastic packaging, if traditional plastic bags take nearly 10 - 1000 years to completely decompose, corn starch plastic bags only take about 6 - 12 months in hot and humid conditions at temperatures above 60°C or 140°F of a commercial composting facility.
In particular, bioplastics in general and corn starch plastics in particular can contribute to reducing up to 68% of greenhouse gas emissions because traditional fossil or petroleum-based plastics will produce many toxins such as: Dioxin, furan, ... increasing environmental temperature and air pollution. Moreover, these are substances that greatly affect the immune system, endocrine glands and increase the risk of cancer.
Corn starch plastic is used in a variety of industries
In addition, corn starch plastics bring synergistic benefits to many key economic industries. For example, waste from corn starch plastics is the source of input fertilizer for the industry after the standard decomposition process. They save a lot of operating costs for important industries.
The above 4 benefits of corn starch plastics have a great impact on consumer health, environmental quality and economic development strategies.
However, the future of corn starch plastics is still a big question mark. Because according to BioPolymer statistics, corn starch plastic accounts for less than 1% of the 200 million tons of plastic produced each year.
4. Conclusion
The article has introduced in detail the definition, characteristics and practical applications of corn starch plastic. In general, bioplastics in general and corn starch plastic in particular will be the development trend of the plastic industry in the future due to their environmental, health and economic benefits.
5. About EuroPlas
EuroPlas is one of the pioneers in the production and supply of bioplastics. Currently, the company owns 7 factories with a scale of tens of hectares in 6 provinces of Vietnam and 1 factory in Egypt.
BioNext bioplastic by EuroPlas
For bioplastic products, EuroPlas stands out with the BioNext line. Exclusively developed by EuroPlas, BiONext is a biodegradable plastic compound with outstanding mechanical and aesthetic properties. EuroPlas ensures that our bioplastic production process is always strictly controlled to meet all requirements. Let's build a greener world with EuroPlas bioplastic compounds!