Degradation of Biodegradable Polymers

Degradation of Biodegradable Polymers in Real and Simulated Composting Conditions... 

The hydrolytic degradation of PLAs and copolymers has been intensively studied, and, as a result, there are more than 250 papers related to this issue [188,189]. The degradation mechanism, behaviour, and rate depend on material- and media-related factors, which are summarized in Table 8.3. In addition, the methods used to monitor the hydrolytic degradation of biodegradable polymers are summarized in Table 8.4. Detailed information regarding the hydrolytic degradation of PLA-based materials can be found in the related review articles [188-190],... 

Pratt, L., Chu, C., Auer, J., Chu, A., Kim., J., Zollweg, J. A. and Chu, C. C., The effect of ionic electrolytes on hydrolytic degradation of biodegradable polymers mechanical and thermodynamic properties and molecular modeling. Journal of Polymer Science Part A Polymer Chemistry 31, 1759-1769 (1993). 

Chen, J., Gardella, J.A. (1999) Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry studies of in vitro hydrolytic degradation of biodegradable polymers. Macromolecules, 32, 7380-7388. 

THE CHEMICAL DEGRADATION OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS Factors Affecting the Velocity of Passive Hydrolysis The Type of Chemical Bond... 

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]. 

Rizzarelli P, Carroccio S. Modern mass spectrometry in the characterization and degradation of biodegradable polymers. Anal Chim Acta. 2014 808 18-43. 

Bahr U, Deppe A, Karas M, Hillenkamp F, Giessmatm U. Mass spectrometry of synthetic polymers by UV-matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization. Anal Chem. 1992 64 2866-9. Rizzarelli P, Carroccio S. Modem mass spectrometry in the characterization and degradation of biodegradable polymers. Anal Chim Acta. 2014 808 18-43. 

Gleadall A. (2014) Modelling the Degradation of Biodegradable Polymers and Their Mechanical Properties. United Kingdom The University of Leicester. 

---