The degradation process of starch-based polymers occurs through enzymatic action on the glucosidic linkages between the sugar groups. This enzymatic attack results in the shortening of polymer chains and the release of sugar units (monosaccharides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides) that can be easily utilized in biochemical pathways. Starch composites (10% starch) Starch can be utilized as […]
Unveiling the Biodegradable Marvels: Aliphatic Polyesters Homopolymers and Copolymers on the Biodegradability Stage: In the realm of eco-friendly polymers, aliphatic polyesters have emerged as true champions. Specifically, homopolymers and copolymers of hydroxybutyric acid and hydroxyvaleric acid have been validated as readily biodegradable. Synthesized by microbes, these polymers accumulate within microbial cells during growth, showcasing their […]
The ability of plastics to biodegrade is determined by the material’s chemical structure and final composition, not just the raw materials used in its production. Biodegradable plastics can be made from natural or synthetic resins. Bioplastics differ from conventional plastics in two ways: they are produced using renewable resources and they are biodegradable or compostable. […]
The need for environmentally-friendly plastics has increased due to environmental threats caused by non-degradable plastics. Starch-filled polyethylene is the most cost-effective biodegradable plastic, but it often performs poorly because starch and PE don’t mix well. A new method called reactive blending can overcome this issue without requiring additional chemicals. By modifying the blend components, they […]
Blending natural and synthetic polymers like PE or EVOH has gained significant interest in recent years. To maintain compostability, various biodegradable blends have been developed, which can be made into useful disposable products that degrade in specific environments. The mechanical properties of these blends depend on the adhesion of their different phases. Strong adhesion leads […]
There are a significant number of biodegradable polymers (biopolymers) that come from both natural and synthetic sources. Utilizing agricultural products in plastic applications is a promising way to reduce surplus farm products and develop non-food applications. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) or plasticized starch (PLS) undergoes processing like synthetic plastics through extrusion and injection units. Unfortunately, TPS […]
In recent times, the importance of biodegradable materials has been growing. This is particularly important in protecting the environment from the increasing amount of plastic waste. One effective solution is the use of partially biodegradable polymers. These are created by blending biodegradable and non-biodegradable commercial polymers, which can reduce plastic waste volume due to partial […]
The physical characteristics of packaging polymers are influenced by their chemical structures, molecular weights, crystallinities, and processing conditions. The specific physical characteristics required for packaging depend on the products being packed and the storage environments. Frozen products, for example, have specific packaging requirements, while foods require more stringent packaging than solid products. Research is currently […]
The use of polymers in agriculture has rapidly expanded since the introduction of plastic films for greenhouse covering, chemical plant protection, and field mulching in the 1930s and 1940s. Today, all major classes of polymers, including plastics, coatings, elastomers, fibers, and water-soluble polymers, are utilized for a variety of applications such as controlled release of […]
Biodegradable synthetic materials have been developed for various medical applications, including surgical implants in blood vessels, implantable matrices for controlled long-term drug release in orthopedic surgery, absorbable surgical sutures, and eye treatment. These materials are collectively known as biomaterials, which refer to non-living materials used in medical devices that interact with biological systems. The term […]