Issue 1, 2023

Synthetic (bio)degradable polymers – when does recycling fail?

Abstract

Given the current environmental crisis caused by polymers, we have seen that it is mandatory to make changes in the way we produce, consume, and, at the downstream, dispose, and manage polymeric materials after use. For applications where recycling might not be the adequate answer, or landfilling is highly likely to occur, (bio)degradable polymers can play an important role. This appraisal acknowledges the most important synthetic (bio)degradable polymers, noticeably polyesters, and their potential for substitution of traditional persistent ones, in terms of thermal and mechanical properties and more adequate fate in controlled compostable media or instead in natural environments. Special focus is given to bio-based poly(lactic acid), poly(butylene succinate) and furan-based polyesters. Alternatively, the most recent progress and contributions to rendering fossil-based polymers such as poly(caprolactone) and poly(glycolic acid) greener are discussed.

Graphical abstract: Synthetic (bio)degradable polymers – when does recycling fail?

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
21 Jul 2022
Accepted
18 Okt 2022
First published
21 Okt 2022

Green Chem., 2023,25, 13-31

Synthetic (bio)degradable polymers – when does recycling fail?

B. Agostinho, A. J. D. Silvestre, J. A. P. Coutinho and A. F. Sousa, Green Chem., 2023, 25, 13 DOI: 10.1039/D2GC02726G

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