Sustainably green polymers

Biocatalytic approaches in polymer synthesis have to include an optimized combination of biotechnological with classical processes. Therefore, this book starts with a thorough review on the sustainable, green synthesis of monomeric materials (Chapter 1). While few of the monomers presented in this chapter have been used in enzymatic polymerizations so far, the examples given could provide inspiration to use sustainable monomers more often in the future for enzymatic polymerizations and also for classical approaches. 

Polymers from Natural Renewable Sources (Sustainability Through Green Polymers)... 

Hofer R, Sehg M. Green chemistry and green polymer chemistry. In Matyjaszewski K, Moller M, editors. Polymer science -a comprehensive reference. McGrath JE, Hickner MA, Hofer R, editors. Polymers for a sustainable environment and green energy, vol. 10. Amsterdam, Oxford, Waltham Elsevier 2012, ISBN 9780444533494. p. 5-14. 

L. F. Silva, Making green polymers even greener Towards sustainable production of polyhydroxyalkanoates from agroindustrial by-products, ed. 

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). 

Int J Polym Anal Charact 19(3) 256-271. doi 10.1080/1023666X.2014.880016 Thakur VK, Thakur MK, Raghavan P, Kessler MR (2014b) Progress in green polymer composites from lignin for multifunctional applications a review. ACS Sustain Chem Eng 2(5) 1072-1092. doi 10.1021/sc500087z... 

The significance of green polymer chemistry is clearly a more environmentally acceptable and desirable technology and the major implication is ultimately a sustainable polymer industry based on green chemistry, renewable resources, and natural processes. The transition will be implemented deliberately and slowly over many years as new technology evolves based on renewable resources to replace fossil resources with a minimum of economic penalty to the consumer. 

Kobayashi S (2011) Green polymer synthesis using enzyme catalysts. In Misraio M, Murahashi S (eds) Green chemistry - chemistry for sustainable society. Kodansha Scientific, Tokyo, pp 192-203... 

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