A Review on Versatile Applications of Degradable Polymers

Abstract

More than three trillion tonnes of macro-plastics and microplastics dumped into our environment causes irreversible damage to our ecosystem. Removing these non-biodegradable materials is beyond the skill of the human capacity even with the best available technologies. One of the best scientific approaches to resolve this issue is to develop degradable and eco-friendly materials known as green composites. A green composite should consist of eco-friendly properties such as quick degradation, non-toxic product release to the environment, eco-recycling, and easy solubility in water. Materials of both synthetic and natural origin could play a significant role in achieving the objective of preserving our environment and sustained growth. To accelerate the degradation of non-biodegradable polymers, additives are added to speed up the process. Oxo-degradable polymers come under this category. Polymers with hydrolyzable backbone degrade fast in aqueous environments. Aliphatic polyesters, polyglycolide, polylactide, polycaprolactum, poly(butylene succinate), and polyurethane, are some of the easily hydrolyzable materials of synthetic origin. Proteins from animal and vegetable origin, polysaccharides, are green materials of natural origin. Recently, hybrid materials consisting of both synthetic and natural origin green composites have been developed for advanced applications. Application of the green composites involves packaging industry, controlled release of nutrients and pesticides in agriculture, biomedical, automotive, and electronics applications. Immense opportunities are available to develop green materials and the best research efforts have been taken by humanity to make our environment safe. In this chapter, a review of versatile applications of degradable polymers is presented.