Biodegradable Polymers: Are Sources and Structures Important?

Abstract

This general review article is meant to be a constructive critical broad overview of the development of biodegradable polymers for industrial and commercial applications. It draws upon diverse sources of information and publications and from many years of personal experience in all areas of the field of biodegradable polymers. Interest in these polymers began when they were identified as one of several possible solutions to the management of pollution of the environment by discarded synthetic polymeric materials. Plastics used in agricultural films, packaging materials and fast food utensils were and still are widely visible as litter; whereas, water-soluble polymers used in detergents and superabsorbent, for example, were never recognized as pollutants by the layman as they are invisible after use and on disposal. Plastic wastes were, of course, the major focal point with their instant visibility and ready culpability to all. However, water-soluble polymers, which pass unseen into the wastewater streams after use and thence are capable of rapidly pervading the environment, were recognized by scientists in industries that produced and used them as an equally troublesome environmental issue. The approaches and issues surrounding both targets: the development of viable commercial 39 biodegradable polymers to replace existing recalcitrant analogues, were not unalike and are discussed and summarized in this review. Needs and issues that had to be focused and then resolved such as definitions, methods for estimating biodegradability in selected diposal or use environments, and specifications for acceptable performance are identified and critiqued as to how successful and appropriate the current solutions are; and, importantly, what remains to be done to ensure a vibrant successful future commercial reality for these polymers.