Superabsorbent Polymers: From long-established, microplastics generating systems, to sustainable, biodegradable and future proof alternatives

Superabsorbent Polymers and Superabsorbent Polymer Composites

This article briefly describes the general aspects and cross-linking polymerization of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) and superabsorbent polymer composites (SAPCs). Research and development of SAPs has become very active after the Northern Region Laboratory of the United States Department of Agriculture invented the first SAP, used as a soil conditioner. Based on the advancements in organic/ino...

Biodegradable and compostable alternatives to conventional plastics.

Packaging waste forms a significant part of municipal solid waste and has caused increasing environmental concerns, resulting in a strengthening of various regulations aimed at reducing the amounts generated. Among other materials, a wide range of oil-based polymers is currently used in packaging applications. These are virtually all non-biodegradable, and some are difficult to recycle or reuse...

Nanomembranes and Nanofibers from Biodegradable Conducting Polymers

This review provides a current status report of the field concerning preparation of fibrous mats based on biodegradable (e.g., aliphatic polyesters such as polylactide or polycaprolactone) and conducting polymers (e.g., polyaniline, polypirrole or polythiophenes). These materials have potential biomedical applications (e.g., tissue engineering or drug delivery systems) and can be combined to ge...

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