Nodax™ Class PHA Copolymers: Their Properties and Applications

Abstract

A family of promising polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polyesters called Nodax™ class PHA copolymers, consisting of (R)-3-hydroxyalkanoate comono- mer units with medium-size-chain side groups and (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate, are described. The bio-based biodegradable plastics made from renewable resources will be commercially available from Meredian. Because of the unique design of the molecular structure, the Nodax™ class PHA copolymers have a set of useful attributes, including polyolefin-like thermomechanical properties, polyester-like physicochemical properties, and interesting biological properties. Therefore, broad ranges of industrial and consumer product applications are anticipated. The structure and properties of the new PHA copolymers, as well as processing and conversion to various products are reviewed with some historical background of the development and future commercialization plans.