Classification of biodegradable polymers

Plastics Completely Synthesized by Bacteria: Polyhydroxyalkanoates

“…PHA were also developed as packaging films mainly for uses as shopping bags, containers and paper coatings, disposable items such as razors, utensils, diapers, feminine hygiene products, cosmetic containers, and cups as well as medical surgical garments, upholstery, carpet, packaging, compostable bags and lids, or tubs for thermoformed articles by Proctor & Gamble, Biomers, Metabolix, and several other companies (Clarinval and Halleux 2005;Mikova and Chodak 2006). PHB fibers with high tensile strength were prepared by stretching the fibers after isothermal crystallization near the glass-transition temperature (Tanaka et al 2007).…”

Biorefinery of lignocellulosic biopolymers

“…Furthermore, biodegradable polymers also called biopolymers, can be organized according to their chemical composition, synthesis method, processing method, economic importance, application, etc. Also they are divided in compostable polymers into derived from renewable and petrochemical (CLARINVAL & HALLEUX, 2005; RUDNIK, 2013) ( Figure 8).…”

“…Th ere is a variety of manners to classify biopolymers. According to Clarinval & Halleux (2005), biopolymers from natural resources can be sorted into six groups regarding to chemical point of view such as polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, chitosan, lignin), proteins (gelatin, wheat gluten), lipids (plants oils, animal fats), polyesters produced by micro-organisms or by plants (polyhydroxyalkanoates, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate), polyesterssynthesized from bio-derived monomers (polylactic acid), and assorted polymers (natural rubbers and composites). However, from Rudnik (2013) perspective, biopolymers that are produced from petroleum sources can be organized into fi ve groups regarding their preparation method such as aliphatic polyesters and copolyesters (PBS -poly(butylene succinate), PBSA -poly(butylene succinate adipate)), aromatic copolyesters (PBAT -poly(butylene adipate terephthalate)), PCLpoly(ε-caprolactone), PEAs -polyesteramides and PVA -poly(vinyl alcohol).…”

“…In order to produce a thermoplastic material, the natural crystalline arrangement of starch must be fragmented. It is achieved by the application of heat, pressure, mechanical work or by addition of plasticizers, for example glycerine, polyols or water (CLARINVAL & HALLEUX, 2005). Besides, Jiang & Zhang (2013) state that starch occurs in the form of discrete granules and is compost by a mixture of linear amylose and amylopectin, which is a highly branched and high molecular weight macromolecule composed mostly of α-(1/4)-Dglucopyranose units, with α-(1/6)-linkages at intervals of approximately 20 units (Figure 9).…”

“…Th is polysaccharide polymer (as mentioned before and illustrated in Figure 3) has a composition similar to starch (JIANG & ZHANG, 2013). Some examples of industrial applications include the production of pulp, paper, membranes, dietary fi bers, explosives and textiles (CLARINVAL & HALLEUX, 2005). Deconinck & de Wilde (2013) informed that applications designated for cellulose based polymers could be for instance, packing (fi lms and twist wraps), tape, and envelope windows.…”