Can biodegradable plastic polymers be processed using conventional plastic processing techniques?

Yes, biodegradable plastic polymers can usually be processed using traditional plastic processing techniques. These technologies include extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and hot forming, as follows:
Extrusion: Biodegradable plastic polymers can be made into films, sheets, and pipes through extrusion molding technology. Extrusion molding is the process of melting a polymer and extruding it into the desired shape through a mold.
Injection molding: Injection molding is the process of injecting molten polymer into a mold and cooling it to form the desired shape of a product. Biodegradable plastic polymers can be used to manufacture various complex products, such as bottle caps, tableware, and components.
Blow molding: Blow molding is used to manufacture hollow products, such as bottles and containers. Extrude the molten polymer into a tubular shape, then expand and adhere to the inner wall of the mold by blowing air, and cool to form the final product.
Thermoforming: Thermoforming is the process of placing plastic sheets that have been heated to a soft state into a mold, and shaping them into the desired shape through vacuum or pressure. Biodegradable plastic polymers can be used to produce food containers, pallets, and packaging materials.
Although biodegradable plastic polymers can be processed using these traditional techniques, some adjustments may be needed in practical operation to adapt to the characteristics of these materials. For example:
Processing temperature: The melting temperature and thermal stability of biodegradable plastic polymers may differ from traditional plastics, and the temperature settings of processing equipment need to be adjusted.
Liquidity: The melt flowability of polymers may affect the processing process, and appropriate processing parameters need to be selected based on material properties.
Drying treatment: Some biodegradable polymers may require drying treatment before processing to avoid moisture affecting product quality.
In summary, traditional plastic processing techniques can be effectively applied to the manufacturing process of biodegradable plastic polymers by adjusting processing conditions and parameters appropriately. This makes biodegradable plastics widely adaptable in existing plastic processing facilities, facilitating their promotion and application.