Types of Biodegradable Polymers

While, synthetic biodegradable polymers are more costly than either starch-based or PLA polymers, they often have better physical and mechanical properties than types of biodegradable polymers based on renewable resource. These include higher strength, better clarity, better barrier properties and a greater ease of processing. 

Depending on the synthesis process, different groups or types of biodegradable polymers have been classified. Figure 9.3 shows a proposal for a classification [AVE 04a] including four different categories. Only the first three categories (a-c) are obtained from renewable resources ... 

What are the factors influencing the biodegradation of a polymer How do you classify biodegradable polymers into different categories How do you obtain different types of biodegradable polymers ... 

Other types of biodegradable polymer such as poly(ortho esters), poly-(organo phosphazenes) and polyanhydrides have been described. However, they have been less developed than polyesters. 

Table 19.42 Some commercial types of biodegradable polymer blends...

In addition to polyesters, other types of biodegradable polymers such as polyurethanes, polyanhydrides, poly(amino acids), poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(ester amide), are generally processable by conventional processing techniques for plastics. Their physical properties can be expected to be comparable, and sometimes can be used to supplement biodegradable polyesters. Although these polymers are more likely used in niche applications or incorporated with other polymers by making composite materials, they obviously provide more material choices in the design and manufacture of various biomedical products. 

There are several types of biodegradable polymers. A common classification is based on the distinction between natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers. Natural biodegradable polymers are typically produced directly by living organisms, and they are extracted from them a posteriori. The most common biodegradable natural polymers are collagen, elastin, fibrin, and several polysaccharide derivatives, such as... 

Many types of biodegradable polymers are available to biodegrade in a variety of environments, including soil, air, or compost. Biodegradable polymers are primarily made from com in the United States, but can be made from sugarcane, wheat, cellulose, collagen, casein, soy, or triglycerides. 

As mentioned previously, biodegradable polymers can be derived from both petroleum and renewable sources. Both types of biodegradable polymers have attracted attention in the industry. Petroleum-based biodegradable polymers may help to overcome the accumulation of non-degradable plastic waste. However, renewable biodegradable polymers not only possess biodegradability, but the polymers are also derived from sustainable sources with environmental credit. 

Based on the information from Shen et al. (2009), the production output for different types of biodegradable polymer in 2009 is sununaiized in Figure 1.6. Cellulose-based polymers represent the largest proportion of biodegradable polymers globally. Cellulose polymers are mainly used in the manufacture of fiber... 

---