Biodegradable fossil-based polymers
Biodegradable polymers are not necessarily made from renewable resources in order to be completely biodegradable. Polymers such as polybutyrate adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH, PVA) are biodegradable polymers as their structure contains chemical groups that can be easily broken down by the action of microorganisms.
Below is the list of biodegradable synthetic polymers, their properties, popular brands and their applications.
| Name | Properties | Can substitute | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polybutyrate adipate terephthalate (PBAT) | PBAT is known for being flexible and tough which makes it ideal for combination with other biodegradable polymers that have high modulus and strength, but are very brittle. | LDPE, HDPE | Garbage bags
Wrapping films Disposable plastic products (lunch boxes, dishes, cups, etc.,) |
| Polybutylene succinate (PBS) | Good oxygen barrier | Polypropylene | Films, bags, or boxes, for both food and cosmetic packagings. |
| Polycaprolactone (PCL) | Good water, oil, solvent and chlorine resistance | – | Manufacture of speciality polyurethanes |
| Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH, PVA) | Water-solubility | – | Papermaking, textiles, and a variety of coatings |
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