abstract
Given the current environmental crisis caused by polymers, we have seen that it is mandatory to make changes in the way we produce, consume, and, at the downstream, dispose, and manage polymeric materials after use. For applications where recycling might not be the adequate answer, or landfilling is highly likely to occur, (bio)degradable polymers can play an important role. This appraisal acknowledges the most important synthetic (bio)degradable polymers, noticeably polyesters, and their potential for substitution of traditional persistent ones, in terms of thermal and mechanical properties and more adequate fate in controlled compostable media or instead in natural environments. Special focus is given to bio-based poly(lactic acid), poly(butylene succinate) and furan-based polyesters. Alternatively, the most recent progress and contributions to rendering fossil-based polymers such as poly(caprolactone) and poly(glycolic acid) greener are discussed.
keywords
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL); BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS; POLY(BUTYLENE SUCCINATE); HYDROLYTIC DEGRADATION; MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES; EPSILON-CAPROLACTONE; THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANE; ENZYMATIC DEGRADATION; POLYESTER COPOLYMERS; RENEWABLE RESOURCES
subject category
Chemistry; Science & Technology - Other Topics
authors
Agostinho, B; Silvestre, AJD; Coutinho, JAP; Sousa, AF
our authors
Andreia Fernandes de Sousa
Principal Researcher
Armando Jorge Domingues Silvestre
Full professor
Beatriz Agostinho
PhD Student
Projects
CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials (UIDB/50011/2020)
CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials (UIDP/50011/2020)
Associated Laboratory CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials (LA/P/0006/2020)
European network of FURan based chemicals and materials FOR a Sustainable development (FUR4Sustain)
acknowledgements
This work was developed within the scope of the CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials (UIDB/50011/2020 & UIDP/50011/2020) & LA/P/0006/2020, financed by national funds through the FCT -Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia/MEC (PIDDAC). This research is also sponsored by FEDER funds through the program COMPETE-Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade-and by national funds through the FCT under the project UID/EMS/00285/2020. The FCT is also acknowledged for the research contract under Scientific Employment Stimulus to AFS (CEECIND/02322/2020) and for a doctorate grant to BA (2020.04495.BD). This publication is supported by COST Action FUR4Sustain-European network of FURan based chemicals and materials FOR a Sustainable development, CA18220, supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).