Polymer Biodegradability 2.0: A Holistic View on Polymer Biodegradation in Natural and Engineered Environments
Open access
Autor(in)
Alle anzeigen
Datum
2023-10-21Typ
- Book Chapter
ETH Bibliographie
yes
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Abstract
Biodegradable polymers are an important part of the solution toolbox to achieve circularity in the plastic economy and overcome negative impacts of a linear plastic economy. Biodegradable polymers need to excel not only on a mechanical performance level in the application to fulfill their function during the use phase but also on a biodegradation performance level after use. The biodegradation performance is tailored to the application and the receiving environment of the polymer product after use, which can be both engineered systems (e.g., compost, anaerobic digestors, wastewater treatment plants) and natural systems (e.g., soils, freshwater, or marine environments). This chapter addresses key aspects of polymer biodegradability and biodegradation in both natural and engineered systems with the goal to advance a more holistic view on the topic and, thereby, provide guidance for all stakeholders working on developing, testing, and regulating biodegradable polymers. These aspects include definitions of biodegradability and biodegradation, elucidating polymer- and environmental factors that control the biodegradation process, a discussion of the analytical chemistry of polymer biodegradation, polymer biodegradability testing and certification, as well as a brief overview of research needs. In accordance with the diverse backgrounds of the authors of the chapter, this chapter targets all stakeholder groups from academics to industry and regulators. Mehr anzeigen
Persistenter Link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000645790Publikationsstatus
publishedHerausgeber(in)
Buchtitel
Advances in Polymer ScienceZeitschrift / Serie
Advances in Polymer ScienceVerlag
SpringerThema
Polymer biodegradation; Biodegradability; Mineralization; Biodegradable plastics; Bioplastics; CompostabilityOrganisationseinheit
03850 - McNeill, Kristopher / McNeill, Kristopher
ETH Bibliographie
yes
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