Degradability market restrictions

Investigation of the pronounced resistance of ABS to microbial degradation demonstrated that the branched alkyl chain derived from tetrapropylene was responsible for the longevity of ABS in the aquatic environment [74], Shortly after this discovery, the surfactant industry reacted and made attempts—in some countries additionally forced by legal restrictions—to provide an alternative surfactant with comparable functional properties, but with inherent biodegradability. The outcome was the introduction of LAS on the detergent market. After the switch from ABS to LAS in almost all nations in the mid 1960s, a substantial drop in the levels of ABS was observed [8],... 

Composites made from lignocellulosic materials have been restricted from many markets because of their moisture sorption, dimensional instability, and to a lesser extent, biological degradation. These negative properties can be overcome, allowing flakes, particles, and fiber from wood and agricultural residues to find markets related to high-performance composites. 

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