Abstract:
This study looks at the properties of glycerol/citric acid as they are affected by the
length and temperature of the bake used to facilitate the condensation reaction that creates
the polymer. In particular, the length of time required for the polymer to break down in
the presence of water, both humidity and submersion, was examined. Given the degradable
nature of the glycerol/citric acid it was examined for suitability as a replacement for
Bitusize (emulsified asphalt) in the making of degradable flower pots. It was found that the
Bitusize did not act as a binder in the flower pots, but as a water repellant, thus the
glycerol/citric acid polymer was not a suitable replacement material.
