Degradable plastics: A critical review

A review of degradable plastics technology has revealed that several effective copolymer and additive methods are used commercially for photodegradable plastics. However, it was found that all commercial packaging plastics are not biodegradable; all of them because their molecular weights are too hi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymer degradation and stability 1990, Vol.27 (2), p.183-202
Main Author: Klemchuk, Peter P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Exact sciences and technology
General. Economics. Legislation. Standardization
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Technology of polymers
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Summary:A review of degradable plastics technology has revealed that several effective copolymer and additive methods are used commercially for photodegradable plastics. However, it was found that all commercial packaging plastics are not biodegradable; all of them because their molecular weights are too high and their structures are too rigid for assimilation by organisms, and most of them also because they have substituents which prevent biodegradation via the enzymatic fatty acid oxidation mechanism. Linear polyethylene is the only commercial packaging plastic with potential for biodegradation when its molecular weight has been reduced drastically by photodegradation. Degradable plastics are not a satisfactory solution to the problems of municipal solid waste. For those problems, multiple approaches need to be used, including especially recycling and incineration.
ISSN:0141-3910
1873-2321
DOI:10.1016/0141-3910(90)90108-J