Polymers, Biodegradable

Abstract

The article contains sections titled: 1. Introduction 2. Biodegradability and Toxicology 2.1. Mechanism of Biodegradation 2.2. Toxicity of Biodegradable Polymers 2.3. Standards for Biodegradable Polymers 2.3.1. Controlled Composting Test 2.3.2 Controlled Test for Aerobic Biodegradation in Soil 2.3.3. Home Composting 2.3.4. Standard Assessment of Biodegradable Polymers 3. Biodegradable Polymers: Synthesis, Properties, and Suppliers 3.1. Raw Materials 3.2. Starch 3.3. Poly(Lactic Acid) (Polylactide, PLA) 3.4. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) 3.5. Synthetic Structural Polyesters 3.5.1. Aliphatic Polyesters 3.5.2. Aliphatic/Aromatic Polyesters 3.6. Compounds 3.6.1. Compounds of Starch and Biodegradable Polyesters 3.6.2. Compounds of PLA and Biodegradable Polyesters 3.7. Cellulose Derivatives 3.8. Biodegradable Functional Polymers 4. Processing and Additives 4.1. Introduction 4.2. Modification of Biodegradable Polyester Films 5. Market Overview and Growth Drivers 6. Value of Biodegradability—Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) 7. Applications 7.1. Organic Waste Bags (OWB) 7.2. Shopping (Carrier) Bags 7.3. Mulch Film 7.4. Horticulture and Formation of Landscape 7.5. Packaging 7.5.1. Shrink Film 7.5.2. High-Heat Applications 7.5.3. Shock Absorber from Biodegradable Particle Foam 8. Production Capacity 9. Outlook