In the early twentieth century discovery of synthetic polymersPolymers revolutionized modern society which is vital for various countries. It is due to its advantages like cost, flexibility, lightweight nature, and water resistance. It has diverse applications, packaging (31%), followed by the construction (17%) and transportation (12%) sectors. But after its useful life it reaches and accumulates in the environmentEnvironment and leads to severe ecological consequences like toxicity to fishes, microplasticMicroplastics pollution, etc. In alternatives biodegradableBiodegradable polymersBiodegradable polymers are used as a sustainable solution. It gained attention due to its advantages like environmental degradationDegradation and eco-friendliness. Sources of these polymersPolymers are from cornstarch, sugarcane, and cellulose so once they get decomposed it will give water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. However, there are disadvantages also like high production cost, mechanical strength, varying degradation rate, etc. Advancement in research areas like polymer engineering is needed to overcome these limitations. The purpose of this chapter is to investigate the viability of biodegradable polymersPolymers as substitutes, their limits and breakdown routes. Although biodegradable polymers offer benefits, they could not be totally replaceable for traditional plastics. Their assimilation into contemporary society is therefore essential; consequently, this chapter also looks at the recycling programs, legal systems, industrialIndustrial use, and the requirement of public involvement in advancing the acceptance of greener materials. Enabling the broad application of biodegradableBiodegradable polymersBiodegradable polymers as a useful option for reducing world plastic waste requires a comprehensive strategy covering materials research, environmental engineering, and policy formation.

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From Plastics to Biodegradable Polymers: A Path Toward Environmental Sustainability

  • M. Madhavaraj,
  • K. Karthikeyan

摘要

In the early twentieth century discovery of synthetic polymersPolymers revolutionized modern society which is vital for various countries. It is due to its advantages like cost, flexibility, lightweight nature, and water resistance. It has diverse applications, packaging (31%), followed by the construction (17%) and transportation (12%) sectors. But after its useful life it reaches and accumulates in the environmentEnvironment and leads to severe ecological consequences like toxicity to fishes, microplasticMicroplastics pollution, etc. In alternatives biodegradableBiodegradable polymersBiodegradable polymers are used as a sustainable solution. It gained attention due to its advantages like environmental degradationDegradation and eco-friendliness. Sources of these polymersPolymers are from cornstarch, sugarcane, and cellulose so once they get decomposed it will give water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. However, there are disadvantages also like high production cost, mechanical strength, varying degradation rate, etc. Advancement in research areas like polymer engineering is needed to overcome these limitations. The purpose of this chapter is to investigate the viability of biodegradable polymersPolymers as substitutes, their limits and breakdown routes. Although biodegradable polymers offer benefits, they could not be totally replaceable for traditional plastics. Their assimilation into contemporary society is therefore essential; consequently, this chapter also looks at the recycling programs, legal systems, industrialIndustrial use, and the requirement of public involvement in advancing the acceptance of greener materials. Enabling the broad application of biodegradableBiodegradable polymersBiodegradable polymers as a useful option for reducing world plastic waste requires a comprehensive strategy covering materials research, environmental engineering, and policy formation.