Biodegradable Polymers

TLDR

Biodegradable materials are increasingly used in packaging, agriculture, and medicine, with growing interest in both synthetic and natural polymers derived from petroleum or renewable resources, though natural polymers generally offer fewer advantages. This review aims to overview currently used biodegradable polymers, their properties, and recent developments in synthesis and applications. The authors synthesize information on polymer types, characteristics, and emerging synthesis methods and applications.

Abstract

Biodegradable materials are used in packaging, agriculture, medicine and other areas. In recent years there has been an increase in interest in biodegradable polymers. Two classes of biodegradable polymers can be distinguished: synthetic or natural polymers. There are polymers produced from feedstocks derived either from petroleum resources (non renewable resources) or from biological resources (renewable resources). In general natural polymers offer fewer advantages than synthetic polymers. The following review presents an overview of the different biodegradable polymers that are currently being used and their properties, as well as new developments in their synthesis and applications.