Degradation biodegradable polymer nanocomposite

I. Armentano, M. Dottori, E. Fortunati, S. MattioU, J.M. Kenny, Biodegradable polymer matrix nanocomposites for tissue engineering a review. Polym. Degrad. Stab. 95 (2010) 2126-2146, doi 10.1016/j. polymdegradstab.2010.06.007. 

Biodegradable polymer matrix nanocomposites for tissue engineering a review. Polym. Degrad. Stab., 95 (11), 2126-2146. 

Recently, polymer nanocomposites based on clay minerals have attracted great interest from researchers, both in industry and in academia, because they often exhibit concurrent improvement in several properties of neat polymer. These improvements can include high moduli, increased strength and heat resistance, decreased gas permeability and flammability, and increased degradability of biodegradable polymers [7-12]. These materials have also been proven to be unique model systems to study the structure and dynamics of polymers in confined environments [20]. 

Generally, biodegradable and renewable polymer composites are called eco-friendly polymer nanocomposites (EPN) or green polymer composites. The major attractions of EPN are that they are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and degradable. These polymer composites can be easily composted or disposed without harming the environment (BailUe 2004 Adeosun et al. 2012). 

Akmal D, Azizan MN, Majid MIA (2003) Biodegradation of microbial polyesters P(3HB) and P (3HB-CO-3HV) under the tropical climate environment Polym Degrad Stab 80 513-518 Anandhan S, Bandyopadhyay S (2011) Polymer nanocomposites from synthesis to applications. 

Botana A, Mollo M, Eisenberg P, Torres Sanchez RM (2010) Effect of modified montmorillonite on biodegradable PHB nanocomposites. Appl Clay Sci 47(3 ) 263-270 Bruzaud S, Bourmaud A (2007) Thermal degradation and (nano)mechanical behavior of layered silicate reinforced poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) nanocomposites. Polym Test 26(5) 652-659... 

As the plastics produced from fossil fuels, when discarded into the environment, end up as waste that cannot degrade spontaneously, there is an urgent need for the development of biodegradable polymers. However, their low thermal stability and mechanical properties usually limit their application. Therefore, nanocomposite preparation is an option to overcome these problems. 

Armentano, I., et al., 2010. Biodegradable polymer matrix nanocomposites for tissue engineering a review. Polymer Degradation and Stability 95 (11), 2126-2146. Available at http // linkinghub.elsevier.eom/retrieve/pii/S0141391010002430 (accessed 14.07.14.). 

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