Special topic on bio-based and biodegradable polymers

starch-based biodegradable polymers and packaging plastics

it seems that today whole world seems to be wrapped in plastics. almost every product we buy, most of the food we eat and many of the liquids we drink, come encased in plastics. the environmental impact of persistent plastic wastes is evoking more global concern as alternative disposal methods are limited. incineration may generate toxic air pollution, and satisfactory landfill sites are limite...

New biocomposites based on bioplastic flax fibers and biodegradable polymers.

A new generation of entirely biodegradable and bioactive composites with polylactic acid (PLA) or poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) as the matrix and bioplastic flax fibers as reinforcement were analyzed. Bioplastic fibers contain polyhydroxybutyrate and were obtained from transgenic flax. Biochemical analysis of fibers revealed presence of several antioxidative compounds of hydrophilic (phenolics) and...

Biodegradable Polymers

In the recent years, bio-based and biodegradable products have raised great interest since sustainable development policies tend to expand with the decreasing reserve of fossil fuel and the growing concern for the environment. These polymers bring a significant contribution to the sustainable development in view of the wider range of disposal options with minor environmental impact. As a result...

Biodegradable Polymers

Biodegradable Polymers

Biodegradable materials are used in packaging, agriculture, medicine and other areas. In recent years there has been an increase in interest in biodegradable polymers. Two classes of biodegradable polymers can be distinguished: synthetic or natural polymers. There are polymers produced from feedstocks derived either from petroleum resources (non renewable resources) or from biological resources...