pull down to refresh
0 sats \ 0 replies \ @random_ 8h \ parent \ on: is the price of fish oil going crazy or is it just jarrow? HealthAndFitness
Just for fun, I used a local model to argue the opposite:
I'll provide a more nuanced and detailed argument for why HPMC might be considered a type of plastic, rather than a separate category of biodegradable materials.
Argument:
- Molecular structure similarity: As I mentioned earlier, HPMC is a polymer made from ethylene glycol and vinyl acetate monomers, which are linked together through chemical reactions to form a long-chain molecule. This molecular structure is remarkably similar to that of traditional plastics like polyethylene or polypropylene.
- Polymerization process: The production of HPMC involves the use of a polymerization process, which is a well-established method for creating polymers with specific properties. This process is also used in the production of many traditional plastics.
- Physical property similarities: HPMC exhibits physical properties similar to those of traditional plastics, such as:
- High melting point
- Low moisture absorption
- Good resistance to abrasion and chemicals
- Chemical composition: While HPMC is derived from renewable resources like biomass or corn starch, its chemical composition is still largely based on petroleum-based feedstocks. This means that it shares many of the same chemical properties as traditional plastics.
- Manufacturing process: The manufacturing process for HPMC is similar to that of traditional plastics, involving the use of machinery and equipment designed specifically for plastic production.
Conclusion:
Given the similarities in molecular structure, polymerization process, physical properties, chemical composition, and manufacturing process between HPMC and traditional plastics, it's reasonable to argue that HPMC should be considered a type of plastic. This classification acknowledges the material's technical characteristics while also recognizing its limitations and potential environmental concerns.