Handbook of Biodegradable Polymers

Biodegradable polymers are niche market materials finding focused applications, including agricultural applications such as mulch films, flowerpots and controlled-release fertilisers and packaging items such as carrier bags and food wrapping and containers. They have the potential to provide a solution to a range of environmental concerns: decreasing availability of landfill space, declining petrochemical sources, and also offer an alternative option to recycling. Rapra's Handbook of Biodegradable Polymers is a complete guide to the subject of biodegradable polymers and is ideal for those new to the subject or those wanting to supplement their existing knowledge. The book covers the mechanisms of degradation in various environments, by both biological and non-biological means, and the methods for measuring biodegradation. The degree and rate of biodegradation is dependent on the chemical composition of the polymer and its working environment, and so there is no single optimal method for determining biodegradation. This handbook provides discussion of international and national standards and certification procedures developed to ensure accurate communication of a material's biodegradability between producers, authorities and consumers. The book goes on to consider the characteristics, processability and application areas for biodegradable polymers, with key polymer family groups discussed. About the editor Catia Bastioli is the Managing Director and Research Manager of Novamont, a leading innovation company in the sector of bioplastics. She is the author of more than 90 papers on various scientific and industrial subjects published in International Journals, Proceedings of International Conferences and books. She has filed more than 50 patents and patent applications in the sectors of synthetic and natural polymers. The patents in the sector of starch-based materials are a significant part of the Novamont patent portfolio.

Contents

• Biodegradability of Polymers – Mechanisms and Evaluation Methods
• Biodegradation Behaviour of Polymers in Liquid Environments
• Biodegradation Behaviour of Polymers in the Soil
• Ecotoxicological Aspects in the Biodegradation Process of Polymers
• International and National Norms on Biodegradability and Certification Procedures
• General Characteristics, Processability, Industrial Applications and Market Evolution of Biodegradable Polymers
• Polyhydroxyalkanoates
• Starch-Based Technology
• Poly(Lactic Acid) and Copolyesters
• Aliphatic-Aromatic Polyesters
• Material Formed from Proteins
• Enzyme Catalysis in the Synthesis of Biodegradable Polymers
• Environmental Life Cycle Comparisons of Biodegradable Plastics
• Biodegradable Polymers and the Optimisation of Models for Source Separation and Composting of Municipal Solid Waste

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