Biodegradable plastic extruders are specially engineered machines designed to produce environmentally friendly plastic materials from renewable sources such as corn starch and sugarcane, or from specially formulated petroleum-based polymers that degrade under certain conditions.
At Rumtoo, we provide customized twin-screw extruders tailored for biodegradable plastic production. Whether you’re producing corn starch-based biodegradable pellets, starch compound materials, or other bio-resins, our machines are built for precision, efficiency, and superior product quality.
What Is Biodegradable Plastic?
Biodegradable plastics are a category of plastics that can break down naturally through the action of microorganisms. These materials decompose in environments such as soil, compost, or even aquatic systems under the right conditions.
Key Components of Biodegradable Plastics
- Base Resins: Common resins include PLA (Polylactic Acid), PBS (Polybutylene Succinate), PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates), PCL (Polycaprolactone), and other bio-based or biodegradable polymers.
- Additives: Plasticizers, stabilizers, antioxidants, and lubricants enhance processing and performance.
- Pigments: Both organic and inorganic pigments like titanium dioxide (TiO₂) are used to achieve the desired appearance.
- Fillers: Materials like natural fibers, lignin, and starch improve mechanical properties and reduce cost.
- Auxiliaries: Crosslinking agents, blowing agents, and antimicrobial additives serve specific functions.
- Compatibilizers: Improve the uniformity and integration when mixing different biodegradable resins.
- Degradation Promoters: Accelerate the biodegradation process under certain conditions.
Types of Biodegradable Plastics
1. By Raw Material Origin
- Bio-Based Biodegradable Plastics: Derived from renewable sources like starch, sugarcane, and cellulose. Example: PLA.
- Petroleum-Based Biodegradable Plastics: Made from fossil fuels but engineered to degrade. Examples: PBS, PBAT.
2. By Application
- Packaging Materials: Used for shopping bags, food wraps, and containers with good printability and clarity.
- Agricultural Films: Used in mulching films and seedling trays with weather resistance.
- Disposable Tableware: Plates, cups, and utensils that break down quickly post-use.
- Medical Products: Drug delivery capsules, surgical sutures, and implants.
- Fishery Equipment: Biodegradable fishing nets and tools that reduce marine pollution.
3. By Degradability
- Compostable Plastics: Fully break down into CO₂, water, and biomass in industrial composting systems. (e.g., PLA, PBAT)
- Non-Compostable Biodegradables: May degrade in nature but don’t meet industrial composting standards.
4. Specialized Categories
- Composite Biodegradable Plastics: Combine biomass with natural fillers for enhanced strength and sustainability.
- Functionalized Biodegradable Plastics: Contain additives like antimicrobial agents for advanced applications.
Main Applications of Biodegradable Plastics
✔ Packaging Industry
Biodegradable plastics like PLA and PBS are ideal for food packaging, cling film, and retail bags. These materials decompose under specific conditions, reducing long-term pollution.
✔ Agriculture
Used in mulch films and fertilizer bags that degrade after a crop cycle, eliminating the need for retrieval and minimizing soil contamination.
✔ Food Service
PLA and PHA-based disposables (plates, utensils, trays) help reduce plastic waste in restaurants, cafeterias, and events.
✔ Healthcare
Biodegradable materials are used in surgical threads, drug encapsulation, and temporary implants that naturally break down in the body.
✔ Marine and Fisheries
PBAT-based materials can be used to produce fishing gear that slowly degrades in seawater, reducing the danger of ghost nets and marine litter.
Biodegradable Plastic Compounding Processes
a) PBAT Melt Compounding with PLA or PPC
- Temperature: PBAT melt at 240°C
- Feeding: Melt pump feeds PBAT; PLA/PPC and additives are added via loss-in-weight feeder
- Energy Efficiency: Direct compounding saves up to 40% energy
- Requirements:
- Long L/D screw design for optimal reaction
- Underwater pelletizing system for high-output automatic processing
- Vacuum packing system
b) PLA/PBS Compounding with Starch Powder
- Mixing: Premixing with long L/D for better dispersion
- Feeding System: Anti-bridge feeders for even flow
- Cutting System:
- Air-cooled die-face cutting for PLA
- Air-cooled strand pelletizing for PBS
- Packaging: Vacuum system to maintain product integrity
c) PVA Compounding with Starch
- Premixing: Two-stage mixer for uniform blending and reaction
- Feeder: Anti-bridge feeder to prevent clogging
- Cutting System: Air-cooled die-face with water-jacketed die plate
- Packaging: Vacuum packing system required
Why Choose Rumtoo Twin-Screw Extruders for Biodegradable Plastics?
At Rumtoo, our twin-screw extruders are designed to meet the diverse and evolving needs of biodegradable plastic manufacturing.
1. Precise Temperature Control
Stable, accurate heating ensures consistent material quality and prevents premature degradation.
2. High-Efficiency Mixing
Optimized screw design enhances dispersion, ensuring superior product uniformity.
3. Advanced Feeding Systems
Adaptable to a wide range of biodegradable materials for smooth, continuous production.
4. Vacuum Degassing System
Effectively removes gases for improved product density and surface finish.
5. Modular Flexibility
Customizable configurations support a variety of production requirements and allow easy upgrades.
Materials Supported by Rumtoo Twin-Screw Extruders
Our machines support the compounding and extrusion of various biodegradable plastics, including:
- PLA (Polylactic Acid)
- PBS (Polybutylene Succinate)
- PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate)
- PCL (Polycaprolactone)
- TPS (Thermoplastic Starch)
- PPC (Polypropylene Carbonate)
- PVA/PVOH (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
Get Expert Support from Rumtoo
If you’re searching for a reliable biodegradable plastic extruder, corn starch-based pelletizer, or a customized compounding solution, Rumtoo is your trusted partner.
Our team of experts is ready to help you select the right extrusion system tailored to your production goals and material requirements.
Contact us today for professional consultation and a free quote.
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