Chemistry
The Polymer Chemistry Behind Biodegradable Plastics from Lactic Acid
Quick fact
Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most common biodegradable plastics, but it will not degrade in your backyard compost or the ocean; it requires industrial composting at temperatures above 58°C (136°F).
Why this is interesting
Your single-use coffee cup might be made from corn instead of oil, but is it truly biodegradable? Let's explore the chemistry behind this seemingly 'green' material.