Biopolymers

Biopolymers (Rapra Review Report 159)
Publisher: Rapra | ISBN: 1859573792 | 2003 | Pages: 148 | PDF | 1.4 MB

This review sets out to examine the current trends in the science of biopolymers — materials which, ideally, are both of renewable biological origin and are able to biodegrade at the end of their intended lifespan. Various types of biological polymers are discussed, along with the chemistry and synthesis of some key biopolymers, including cellulose, hemicellulose, starch, polyhydroxyalkanoates (of biological origin), tannins (polyphenolic plant products), cashew nut shell liquid, tree sap rosins, lignin, and man-made polylactides.

From the Introduction: “This review is a survey of the latest stage in the emergence of a type of polymer with perceived low environmental impact. These polymers are called with varying degrees of accuracy biopolymers, bioplastics, environmentally degradable polymers (EDP), or natural polymers. Biopolymers are polymers that are either biological (but non-fossil) in origin, or susceptible to digestion by microorganisms or chemical breakdown in the environment (e.g., hydrolysis), or ideally, both. Such materials address the criticism that plastics, whilst undoubtedly useful, are made from irreplaceable fossil raw materials, and though durable, are difficult to dispose of at the end of useful life...”

Rapra Review Reports contain a brief overview of the topic, followed by extensive references, with abstracts, from the Rapra database. They serve as condensed, valuable research tools for scientists, technologists, and other researchers working with rubber or plastics materials.

Table of Contents:

Introduction
Synthesis of Biopolymers
Commercially Available Biopolymers
Uses of Biopolymers
Manfuacturing Technologies for Biopolymers
Fillers and Reinforcements for Biopolymers
The Markets and Economics of Biopolymers
Compostability Certification
The Chemistry and Biology of Polymer Degradation
Conclusions
Additional References
References from the Polymer Library Database
Subject Index

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