Biodegradable polymers commercially available

PLA [e.g., see Sodergi d and Stolt [26]] is raie of the most important bio-based and biodegradable thermoplastic polymers commercially available today with some molecular weights and optical purities. First attempts to reinforce PLA with manmade cellulose fibers have been reported in [12], followed by papers of other groups [27-29]. Results are in full agreement with each other and will be reported on the basis of own work in this field [30, 31]. 

A particular mention goes to Mater-Bi, produced by Novamont, who have revolutionised starch-based biomaterials for two decades. The commercial success of this biodegradable and biocompostable plastic relies on two main factors the scale economy that allows the reduction of costs, and the diversity of formulations to develop different end products (plastic bags, tableware, toys, etc.). More than 210 references in Chemical Abstracts are available on this (registered) keyword, and the number of patents related to different formulations and developments is also impressive. Mater-Bi can be essentially described as a blend of starch with a small amount of other biodegradable polymers and additives. The actual compositions are still known only by a very few people. 

There are broadly three classes of commercially available biodegradable polymers in existence. 

For conventional technical applications aromatic polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) are widely used. But these polymers are biologically inert and thus not directly applicable as biodegradable plastics. Combining both the excellent material properties of aromatic polyesters and the potential biodegradability of aliphatic polyesters has led to the development of a number of commercially available aliphatic-aromatic co-polyesters over the last decade or so. 

Biodegradable polymer prices are generally much higher than commodity polymers for a number of reasons. Most biopolymers have only been commercially available for a couple of years and production volumes are very low compared with the mass produced polyolefins. Initial development costs are also very high. 

PHA biodegradable polymers are still largely at the development stage of market development, although there a few commercial applications available. The main candidates for commercialisation are Biopol PHBV, being developed by Metabolix, and Nodax PHBH, marketed by Procter Gamble. 

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