Modification and Processing of Biodegradable Polymers

• Other Authors: Moraczewski, Krzysztof (Editor)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 2023
• Subjects: Research & information: general; Physics; polylactide; biodegradable blends; irradiation; crosslinking; degradation; poly(L-lactide); laser irradiation; surface enhancement; micromechanical properties; cytotoxicity; melanin; watermelon seeds; whey protein; bioactive films; plant residues; tea tree essential oil; poly(ethylene glycol); packaging material; antibacterial films; biodegradable polymers; PBAT/PLA; blown films; food packaging; toughness; magnesium alloy; cardiovascular stents; callic acid; dip coating; endothelialization; anticorrosion; quercetin; antibacterial properties; biodegradable and oxo-biodegradable packaging; polymers; MSW composting plant; FTIR spectroscopy; composite; injection moulding; biofiller; bioplastic; thermal properties; thermo-mechanical properties; mechanical properties; agro-waste materials; agro-flour filler; accelerated ageing; natural filler; thermal resistance; discolouration; lignocellulosic materials; biopolymer; composites; polylactide films; olive leaves; extract; antioxidants; lignocellulosic material; chemical modification; poly(lactic acid) composites; in situ polymerization; grafting biocomposites; biodegradable composites; watermelon; alginate; nanoparticles; copolymer; hydrogel; microgel; nanocomposite; nanosilica; biodegradable polymer; packaging materials; gamma radiation; quality; safety; food contact materials; epoxy resin; eco-additives; experimental tests
• Online Access: DOAB: download the publication; DOAB: description of the publication

Polymeric products made from petrochemical polymers are extremely stable in environmental conditions. After their exploitation, this becomes a serious problem for the environment. Most of the products made of plastic are stockpiled in landfills, and the decomposition time of such products is often several hundred years. The solution to this problem may be the use of biodegradable polymers derived from renewable materials, undergoing a process of biodegradation.Biodegradable polymers are distinctly different than regular polymers in material characteristics. Biodegradable polymers like any other polymer can be processed using conventional techniques such as injection molding, extrusion, and compression molding. Furthermore using appropriate methods of modification, new or improved properties of materials can be obtained. However, the distinct narrow modification and processing window makes them a challenge to modify or process.Continuing technological progress in the modification and processing of biodegradable polymers leads not only to the enhancement of the product quality, but also to the reduction of their prices. As a result, biodebradable polymers may be used to produce both common-use articles or packaging materials, as well as more complex engineering applications.In this reprint, we aimed therefore to publish original work and reviews about the current trends and technologies for the modification and processing of biodegradable polymers and its composites aimed at improving their properties and extending the application possibilities.