Biodegradable addition polymers examples

Similar polyacetals were prepared by BASF scientists from -aldehydic aliphatic carboxylic acids (Baur, 1992 Koeffer, 1993), and by the addition of polyhydroxy carboxylic acids, tartaric acid for example, to dmnyl ethers (Baur 1993) as biodegradable detergent polymers. 

As pointed out above, PVAc is frequently not used as a hompolymer but rather as the major component of a copolymer (VAE, terpolymers, vinylacrylics, etc.). Additionally, in the applications mentioned above PVAc and the related polymers are usually not used alone but as a part of a more or less complex mixture with other components. These components can be, for example, fillers, plasticisers, impact modifiers, compatibilisers, or other polymers. These components need to be taken into account when discussing biodegradabUity. They influence the biodegradability of the mixture as a whole but they may in particular influence the biodegradability of the PVAc moiety by altering the physical circumstances under which degradation reactions can take place. 

In addition to synthetic biodegradable polymers discussed so far, naturally occurring biopolymers have also been used for fabricating implantable dmg delivery systems. Examples of natural biopolymers are proteins (e.g. albumin, casein, collagen, and gelatin) and polysaccharides (e.g. cellulose derivatives, chitin derivatives, dextran, hyaluronic acids, inulin, and starch). 

Developments in additive formulations are also helping to improve processing efficiencies for biodegradable polymers. PolyOne for example, introduced a new range of colour and additive masterbatches for biodegradable resins for the European market in 2005. 

Interest in predicative testing extends not only to long periods of service but to relatively short time periods as well when biodegradability is concerned or in biocompatible systems in medical use whether it be in adhesion of bone or prosthesis or packaging is concerned, and in food additives when for example a species may be of consequence when present in the polymer and potentially extracted or present as a delicate flavor or color and absorbed by the maeromolecular system. 

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