Biopolymers: Applications and Trends

Michael Niaounakis

• Publisher: William Andrew
• Year: 2015
• Print ISBN: 9780323353991
• eBook ISBN: 9780323354332
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Materials Science
• Index: Technology & Engineering

Biopolymers: Applications and Trends provides an up-to-date summary of the varying market applications of biopolymers characterized by biodegradability and sustainability. It includes tables with the commercial names and properties of each biopolymer family, along with biopolymers for each marketing segment, not only presenting all the major market players, but also highlighting trends and new developments in products.The book includes a thorough breakdown of the vast range of application areas, including medical and pharmaceutical, packaging, construction, automotive, and many more, giving engineers critical materials information in an area which has traditionally been more limited than conventional polymers.In addition, the book uses recent patent information to convey the latest applications and techniques in the area, thus further illustrating the rapid pace of development and need for intellectual property for companies working on new and innovative products.- Provides an up-to-date summary of the varying market applications of biopolymers characterized by biodegradability and sustainability- Includes tables with the commercial names and properties of each biopolymer family, along with biopolymers for each marketing segment- Presents a thorough breakdown of the vast range of application areas, including medical and pharmaceutical, packaging, construction, automotive, and many more- Uses recent patent information to convey the latest applications and techniques in the area, thus further illustrating the rapid pace of development and need for intellectual property

1

Definitions of Terms and Types of Biopolymers

Abstract

This chapter can be divided roughly into three parts. The first part presents and compares the various terms used to describe biopolymers, namely “degradable,” “biodegradable,” “bio-based,” “compostable,” and “biopolymer,” which appear to have multiple and overlapping meanings. The second part gives an extensive introduction to most of the existing and newly developed biopolymers and provides updated lists of their commercial products and current applications. The third part investigates the possible sources of biopolymers, including first, second, and third generation feedstocks.

Keywords

Biodegradable polymers; Bio-based polymers; Polyesters; Polycarbonates; Polyamides; Polysaccharides; Poly(ortho esters); Polyphosphazenes; Sources; Vinyl polymers

1.1. General

In recent years, interest in protecting the environment by not only using products made from natural renewable resources but also products that decompose into environmentally friendly constituents has been steadily and rapidly increasing. Green movements, initiatives, and regulations have sprung up in almost every developed country to reduce the volume of solid polymers waste generated by consumers each year. Consumers have also expressed their desire for products that are environmentally friendly while providing the same results with products made from synthetic material. However, consumer preferences for environmentally friendly products can be hindered by the higher cost and inferior properties of these products as compared to synthetically derived products.

1.2. Definition of Terms

In literature and patents there is no consensus over the exact definition of the generic terms “degradable,” “biodegradable,” “bio-based,” “compostable,” and “biopolymer,” which appear to have multiple and overlapping meanings.

“Degradable” is a broad term applied to polymers or plastics that disintegrate by a number of processes, including physical disintegration, chemical degradation, and biodegradation by biological mechanisms. As result of this definition, a polymer may be degradable but not biodegradable.

“Biodegradable” is a term focused on the functionality of a polymer, “biodegradability,” and it is applied to polymers that will degrade under the action of microorganisms such as molds, fungi, and bacteria within a specific period of time and environment. On its own the term “biodegradable” has no clear meaning and creates confusion. According to the withdrawn standard ASTM D5488-94de1, biodegradable polymers refer to polymers that are “capable of undergoing decomposition into carbon dioxide, methane, water, inorganic compounds, or biomass in which the predominant mechanism is the enzymatic action of microorganisms that can be measured by standard tests, over a specific period of time, reflecting available disposal conditions.”

The Japan Bioplastics Association (JBPA) defines the term “biodegradability” as the characteristics of material that can be microbiologically degraded to the final products of carbon dioxide and water, which in turn are recycled in the nature. Biodegradation should be distinguished from disintegration, which simply means the material is broken into small and separate pieces. Biodegradability of plastics is determined by the ISO methods and evaluated based upon the preestablished criteria. Only biodegradable plastics that meet the rigorous criteria such as contents of heavy metals and safe intermediate reaction products may be classified as GreenPla^® [1].

Biodegradable polymers are certified according to any of the following legally binding international standards [2].

ISO 17088:2012

EN 13432:2000, EN 14995:2006

ASTM D6400-12

“Bio-based” is a term focused on the raw materials basis, and it is applied to polymers derived from renewable resources. Raw materials are defined as renewable if they are rep...

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Series Page
• Copyright
• Foreword
• Abbreviations of Biopolymers
• 1. Definitions of Terms and Types of Biopolymers
• 2. Properties
• 3. Packaging
• 4. Agriculture/Forestry/Fishery
• 5. Electronics
• 6. Automotive Applications
• 7. Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Applications
• 8. Cosmetics
• 9. Sports/Toys/Board Games
• 10. Building and Construction Applications
• Glossary
• Index
• Index of Companies
• Index of Inventors
• Index of Patents