Properties and applications

Abstract

This chapter examines the physical and mechanical properties of biodegradable polymers derived from renewable sources and petrochemical sources with a focus on their applications. Polymers from renewable sources include poly(lactic acid), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and thermoplastic starch (TPS). Polymers from petrochemical sources include aliphatic polyesters and copolyesters, aromatic polyesters and copolyesters, poly(caprolactone), poly(esteramide), and poly(vinyl alcohol). The physical properties, based on which biodegradable polymers are categorized, are their melt flow rate, density, and transparency. Mechanical properties include their tensile strength at yield, elongation at yield, and tensile modulus. There are many applications of compostable polymer materials in the commercialized or development/demonstration stage. They are used in the packaging industry, in agriculture and horticulture, in short life consumer goods, and long life consumer goods. The major markets of compostable polymer materials are agriculture, fisheries, civil engineering, constructions, food packaging, and many more. The increased interest in compostable polymers is a response to the growing price of petroleum and growing consumer demand for sustainable products. Improvement in processing technologies and the effect of scale-up has decreased the price of compostable polymers.