Biodegradable Nanomaterials vs Conventional Biodegradable Materials
When it comes to biodegradable materials, the first things that pop into our minds are probably paper bags or cardboard boxes. However, with recent advancements in nanotechnology, biodegradable nanomaterials have been developed and are gaining attention in various industries. In this blog post, we will compare biodegradable nanomaterials with conventional biodegradable materials and examine their advantages and disadvantages.
What are Biodegradable Nanomaterials?
Biodegradable nanomaterials are materials that have been engineered at a nanoscale level, making them more efficient, effective, and sustainable than conventional biodegradable materials. These materials have the ability to break down into natural elements such as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen over time, making them eco-friendly.
Conventional Biodegradable Materials
Conventional biodegradable materials are materials that are capable of decomposing in natural environmental conditions, usually within a few months to years. These materials include paper, cardboard, and some plastics made from natural materials, such as corn starch.
Comparison
Biodegradation Rate
One significant advantage of biodegradable nanomaterials over conventional biodegradable materials is their faster biodegradation rate. According to a study conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, biodegradable nanomaterials broke down twice as fast as traditional biodegradable materials like polylactic acid (PLA). This feature makes biodegradable nanomaterials more suitable for industries that require a high turnover rate of biodegradable products.
Cost
Although biodegradable nanomaterials are becoming more popular, they are still more expensive to produce than conventional biodegradable materials. Biodegradable nanomaterials require advanced technology and higher-level expertise, which increases the cost of production. In contrast, conventional biodegradable materials can be produced on a larger scale and are generally cheaper.
Safety
Biodegradable nanomaterials are still being researched; therefore their safety is yet to be fully understood. Large doses of nanoparticles have been shown to have harmful effects on living tissues and cells. In contrast, conventional biodegradable materials have been used for a long time and are known to be safe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, biodegradable nanomaterials offer faster biodegradation rates and are more efficient and sustainable. However, they are more expensive to produce and their safety is not yet fully understood. On the other hand, conventional biodegradable materials are cheaper and have been proven to be safe over time. Both types of materials have their advantages and disadvantages, and their usage depends on the specific needs of the industry.
References:
- Ling, S., & Kaplan, D. L. (2015). Bionanotechnology: Global prospects. CRC Press.
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. (2017). Insights into the Biodegradation of Biodegradable Polymers. Retrieved from https://www.scifac.hku.hk/news/media?page=7.