Condensation polymers degradation/biodegradation

We report here that polyethylene adipate (PEA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) were degraded by Penicillium spp., and aliphatic and alicyclic polyesters,ester type polyurethanes, copolyesters composed of aliphatic and aromatic polyester (CPE) and copolyamide-esters (CPAE) were hydrolyzed by several lipases and an esterase. Concerning these water-insoluble condensation polymers, we noted that the melting points (Tm) had a effect on biodegradability. 

Figure 2. Degradation/Biodegradation of Addition and Condensation Polymers.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are also biodegradable polymers. These are condensation polymers of 3-hydroxycarboxyhc acids. Thus, like PLA, they are polyesters. The most common PHA is PHB, a polymer of 3-hydroxybutyric acid it can be used for many of the things that polypropylene is now used for. Unlike polypropylene that floats, PHB sinks. PHBV, a PHA marketed under the trade name Biopol, is a copolymer of 3-hydroxybutyric acid and 3-hydrox5rvaleric acid. It is being used for such things as wastepaper baskets, toothbrush holders, and soap dispensers. PHAs are degraded by bacteria to CO2 and H2O. 

Condensed milk - [POLYMERS] (Vol 19) -biodegradation of [POLYMERS, ENVIRONMENTALLY DEGRADABLE] (Vol 19)... 

Several review articles on biodegradable polymers and polyesters have appeared in the literature [12-22]. Extensive studies have been carried out by Al-bertsson and coworkers developing biodegradable polymers such as polyesters, polyanhydrides, polycarbonates, etc., and relating the structure and properties of aliphatic polyesters prepared by ROP and polycondensation techniques. In the present paper, the current status of aliphatic polyesters and copolyesters (block, random, and star-shaped), their synthesis and characterization, properties, degradation, and applications are described. Emphasis is placed primarily on aliphatic polyesters derived by condensation of diols with dicarboxylic acids (or their derivatives) or by the ROP of cyclic monoesters. Polyesters derived from cyclic diesters or microbial polyesters are beyond the scope of this review. 

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