Cited by 300biodegradable polymer synthesis and propertiesMicroplastics and Plastic PollutionPolymer crystallization and properties

Biodegradable polymers: present opportunities and challenges in providing a microplastic‐free environment

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Agarwal, Seema·2020·Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics

Abstract

Abstract The stability of polymers against environmental factors, chemicals, microorganisms, and hydrolysis has challenged society with the accumulation of plastic waste and its management worldwide. Large amounts of plastic litter accumulate in the environment and disintegrate into microplastics (small pieces less than 5 mm in size), a topic of real concern especially for products and applications where the plastics are used for a short time before becoming waste, and where they are difficult to recover after use and remain in the environment. Whether biodegradable polymers can be one of the solutions to the problem of plastic waste is a question very often raised in this context. Although the use of biodegradable polymers appears to be highly promising based on recent and past studies, several aspects need to be considered further regarding environmental sustainability, acceptability, and degradability in the complex natural environment. Intensive efforts need to be invested in developing new environmentally biodegradable polymers and smart mechanisms of degradation after use in the environment. The present viewpoint article discusses the present scenario of the environmental acceptability of biodegradable polymers and the opportunities and challenges they offer regarding solving the problem of microplastics and their impact on the environment.

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Authors
Agarwal, S.
Affiliations
Bavarian Polymer Institute (DE)
Corresponding author
Agarwal, Seema
Venue
Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2020-02-26
Volume
221
Issue
6
ISSN
  • 1022-1352 (ISSN-L)
  • 1521-3935
OpenAlex
W3007670510
Cited by
300
References
25
Citations by year
2026: 34 · 2025: 60 · 2024: 55 · 2023: 61 · 2022: 53 · 2021: 29 · 2020: 8
FWCI
9.82
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • EPub Bayreuth (University of Bayreuth) (acceptedVersion, cc-by)
  • ERef Bayreuth (University of Bayreuth) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 1357)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Biomaterials › biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Polymers and Plastics › Polymer crystallization and properties
Keywords
biodegradable polymers, microplastics, plastic waste, plastic pollution, polymer biodegradability, environmental sustainability, plastic debris, polymer degradation mechanisms, environmental acceptability

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