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Plastics from Natural polymers and Oils

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Natural polymers

Oils

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Background

Reduction of greenhouse gas emission is an effective solution to the present global warming problem [1,2]. A promising way to reduce green gas is to develop renewable and biodegradable polymers to replace fossil fuels-based plastics [3]. Biodegradable polymer is a functional plastic, which can be degraded by microorganisms into simpler compounds such as carbon oxide and lactic acid [4]. The simple compounds can be converted into biodegradable polymer again by microorganism or plants if the polymer is based on renewable resource. The cycle is green and important for sustainable development.

      At present, biodegradable polymers are classified into three categories: (1) synthetic polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL); (2) biopolymers produced by microorganism such as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHA), (3) natural polymers such as cellulose, starch, and protein. The advantages and disadvantages of these three kinds polymers have been well discussed in several reviews [4,5]. Abundant and low cost natural polymers are really green in both synthesis and energy consumption, which attract much attention in the field of biodegradable polymers. 

[1] Kessel DG. J Pet Sci Technol 2000;26(1-4):157.

[2] Kerr R. Science 2000;288(5466):589-590.

[3] Patel M. PhD thesis, Closing Carbon Cycles: Carbon use for materials in the context of resource efficiency and climate change, Utrecht University, December 1999.

[4] Chandra R, Rustgi R. Prog Polym Sci 1998;23:1273.

[5] Okada M. Prog Polym Sci 2002;27:87

　

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