As we endeavor to transition from traditional petroleum-based materials to more sustainable alternatives, understanding the scope of available polymers is critical. In there previous articles, we have explore the overview, the difference and similarity between Biomass and Biodegradable Polymer; Understanding theses polymer allows us to make informed choices and explore these emerging sustainable material option. Again, In this context, we're categorizing polymers into three distinct groups: Biomass-derived but not biodegradable, Biomass-derived and biodegradable, and Non-Biomass-derived but biodegradable. Here's an exploration of each category: Biomass-derived Polymers (Not Biodegradable):
Bio-Polyethylene (Bio-PE): Made from ethanol derived from plant material, such as sugarcane. It has the same properties as traditional polyethylene and is not biodegradable.
Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (Bio-PET): Made from plant materials but retains the same properties as traditional PET. It is used in fibers for clothing, containers for liquids and foods, thermoforming for manufacturing, and in combination with glass fiber for engineering resins.
Biodegradable Polymers (Not Biomass-derived):
Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT): PBAT is a synthetic, petroleum-based polymer that is engineered to be biodegradable.
Polyglycolic Acid (PGA): PGA is a synthetic polymer that is known for its high strength and is often used in medical applications. It is biodegradable.
Polycaprolactone (PCL): PCL is a biodegradable polyester that can be produced from petroleum. It breaks down over time under the right conditions.
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA): This is a synthetic, water-soluble polymer. It is used in a variety of applications, including papermaking, textiles, and a variety of coatings. Despite being derived from petroleum, it is biodegradable and even water-soluble.
Polyanhydrides: These polymers degrade by hydrolysis and are used in drug delivery systems and bioresorbable surgical sutures. They're known for their very controlled and predictable rate of degradation.
Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) or Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG): These polymers are water-soluble and biodegradable, often used in pharmaceutical applications for their low toxicity.
Polyurethanes: Some types of polyurethanes can be made to be biodegradable, and are used in applications like medical devices or as a matrix for drug delivery.
Aliphatic polyesters or co-polyesters, such as polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA), polyethylene succinate (PES), and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT): These are petroleum-based, aliphatic polyesters that are fully biodegradable in composting conditions.
Biomass-derived and Biodegradable Polymers:
Polylactic Acid (PLA): Derived from renewable resources, such as corn starch, cassava roots, chips or starch, or sugarcane. It can be composted under industrial conditions.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs): Linear polyesters produced in nature by bacterial fermentation of sugar or lipids, making them both biomass-derived and biodegradable.
Starch-based Plastics: Derived from starch, a carbohydrate found in many plants, can be used to produce biodegradable polymers. These are often blended with other materials to improve their properties.
Polybutylene Succinate (PBS): PBS is a biodegradable plastic that can be synthesized from succinic acid and 1,4-butanediol, both of which can be derived from biomass.
Poly-L-lactide-co-beta-lactone (PLB): A co-polymer synthesized using L-lactide and beta-lactone, both of which can be derived from biomass. The resulting material is biodegradable, with a rate of degradation that can be adjusted based on the ratio of L-lactide to beta-lactone used in synthesis.
The ongoing research and development work aims to produce new polymers and modify existing polymers. Importantly, the conditions for biodegradation of specific polymers may vary greatly. Not all biodegradable polymers are easily decomposed in any environment, and many polymers require industrial composting facilities to completely biodegrade within a reasonable time.
References:
Nippon Paper Group. (n.d.). Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF). In TechNews. Retrieved April 27, 2021, from https://technews.tw/2021/04/27/nippon-paper-cnf/
Yamamoto, K., Tokura, S., Kagi, N., Okabe, K., Sakurai, S., & Nishio, Y. (2021). Classification of biodegradable polymers. In ScienceDirect. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 170, 278-288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.09.085
EPI Global. (n.d.). What are the different types of biodegradable plastics? Retrieved June 27, 2023, from https://epi-global.com/ufaqs/what-are-the-different-types-of-biodegradable-plastics/
ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Biodegradable Polymer. Retrieved June 27, 2023, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemical-engineering/biodegradable-polymer
Embibe. (n.d.). Biodegradable Polymer. Retrieved June 27, 2023, from https://www.embibe.com/exams/biodegradable-polymer/
Nippon Paper Group. (n.d.). Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF). Retrieved June 27, 2023, from https://www.nipponpapergroup.com/products/cnf/
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