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Depolymerization of PLA Plastics: A Novel Investigation of the Effect of Iron and Zinc Catalysts on Biodegradable Compounds

JSHS · 2024

Kelly A. Takorbisong, Arie Schiller · Keokuk High School, Keokuk, IA

Overview

The use of biodegradable plastics is becoming more and more widespread, and this project’s aim is to depolymerize manufactured PLA products in order to obtain reusable polylactic acid. Zinc and iron were used as catalysts and their efficacy at decomposing the plastics was determined at the end of the experiment. Prior to the addition of the catalysts, the PLA plastics were submerged in a mixture of hydrochloric acid and the enzyme, pepsin, to simulate the breakdown of amino acids in the stomach, initially breaking the surface layer of the PLA material. Temperature s of 55°C -150°Cwere reached at ten -minute intervals and the external results of the trials were recorded and then the chemical breakdown was analyzed. The glass liquid stage was reached at 60°C-65°C, less odor was observed in the trials of zinc than of iron or the control group, hinting at the chemical change occurring at this point. Zinc was the most efficant catalyst, 80% of the PLA material was successfully decomposed and an amount of polylactic acid was obtained during the heating process. At large, zinc can be used as a cheaper, albeit not as effective alternative to ruthenium and other catalysts that depolymerize plastics.

Competition history

  • JSHS 2024 Category not listed

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Source: Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

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