Synthetic Polymer

Plastic is one of the most consumable and useful material of modern times and its growing demand and consumption is not easy to check. But, the only hurdle in its prolonged use is its low rate of degradation in environment after being disposed of. This is because such products tend to accumulate in nature due to their excellent mechanical properties [2]. Thus, the present work highlights on the biodegradation rate of various synthetic polymers by calculating its elongation at break, the rupture load and loss in weight in various conditions in which these plastics are generally exposed of after use [1,2]. A comparative analysis was made by studying the degradation rate of Poly Lactic acid, a fermentation based biopolymer. Considering the fact that the plastics are generally associated with slightly acidic or slightly alkaline condition the degradation study was extended by immersing the samples in 0.1N HCl and 0.1N NaOH solution. Synthesization of a Thermoplastic starch was done by adding propane-1, 2, 3-triol as a plasticizer into potato starch (Figure 1).The TPS obtained was translucent and flexible, same as the conventional plastics and in order to test its degradation rate it was kept in landfill condition for 45 days and the loss in weight with increase of degradation period was observed. The above study also elaborates on the various other alternative methods like proper disposal systems, recycling, and production of useful substances from plastic waste which can be put into application to make plastics eco-friendly. Thus, with the accomplishment of above objective it is believed that the beneficiary and useful aspect of plastic will be maintained for the humanity by overcoming the threat posed by it to the environment.

[ES] Este trabajo de fin de máster presenta la investigación realizada sobre uno de los polímeros sintéticos más utilizados a nivel mundial, el poliestireno extruido. El estudio se ha centrado en su uso dentro de la producción artística con el fin de recopilar y difundir las características principales de este material, además de resaltar su importancia en el mundo del arte. Para ello se ha recogido a partir de bibliografía específica información sobre su historia, formación, propiedades principales y envejecimiento, con el fin de entender los factores de deterioro y patologías que afectan a las obras creadas a partir de este polímero, para poder establecer una serie de pautas para su correcta conservación y mantenimiento. Al mismo tiempo se ha realizado un estudio sobre su uso en el mundo del arte, realizando para ello una búsqueda sobre los principales artistas que lo utilizan, así como de los distintos tipos de obra que existen compuestas por este material. Finalmente se ha estudiado y analizado, siguiendo el modelo de toma de decisiones para la conservación y presentación de arte contemporáneo del 2019, la obra 259: Corte I, realizada con poliestireno extruido, como caso real representativo de este trabajo. Para ello se ha colaborado con el artista, Adolfo Bimer, a quien se le ha realizado una entrevista. Con una finalidad documentativa y de divulgación, el trabajo se completa con la creación de una base de datos que recoge los principales artistas que trabajan con el poliestireno extruido así como ejemplos de obras compuestas por este material.[EN] This master's thesis presents the research carried out on one of the most widely used synthetic polymers in the world, extruded polystyrene. The study has focused on its use in artistic production with the aim of compiling and disseminating the main characteristics of this material, as well as highlighting its importance in the world of art. To this end, information on its history, formation, main properties and ageing has been gathered from specific bibliography, in order to understand the deterioration factors and pathologies that affect works created from this polymer, in order to establish a series of guidelines for its correct conservation and maintenance. At the same time, a study has been carried out on its use in the art world, carrying out a search on the main artists who use it, as well as on the different types of works made of this material. Finally, following the decision-making model for the conservation and presentation of contemporary art in 2019, the work 259: Corte I, made with extruded polystyrene, was studied and analysed as a real representative case of this work. For this purpose, we collaborated with the artist, Adolfo Bimer, who was interviewed. With a documentary and dissemination purpose, the work is completed with the creation of a database that includes the main artists who work with extruded polystyrene as well as examples of works composed of this material.García Duque, I. (2021). Uso del poliestireno extruido (XPS) en la producción artística. Universitat Politècnica de València. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/173838TFG