Biodegradable polymers are synthetic materials that can break down into natural components in the environment through the action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. They are often used in applications where traditional synthetic plastics may not be suitable, such as for single-use packaging or food containers, and as a result, reduce the accumulation of plastic waste. Examples of biodegradable polymers include polylactic acid (PLA), starch-based materials, and cellulose derivatives.
Starch has been also widely blended with biodegradable polymers, including polycaprolactone (Avérous et al., 2000), polylactic acid (Zhang and Sun, 2004), polyhydroxybutyrate (Thiré, Ribeiro, and Andrade, 2006), and poly(hydroxyester ether) (Willet and Doane, 2002).
Polycaprolactone is a biodegradable polymer. It is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester that is biodegradable and biocompatible, making it suitable for various applications such as packaging, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer derived from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cassava. It is used in various applications, including food packaging, biodegradable bags and containers, and medical implants. Its biodegradable nature and low toxicity make it an attractive alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
Poly(hydroxyester ether) is a biodegradable polymer that is composed of repeating units derived from natural products such as starch, sugar, or cellulose. This type of polymer is considered biodegradable because it can be broken down into natural substances by microorganisms when disposed of in the environment.
See more: Thermoplastic starch (TPS) drawbacks and strategies