Degradable Polymers: Principles and applications

283 Pages·1995·17.35 MB·English

by  Gerald Scott (auth.)

Degradable Polymers
Degradable Polymers
Principles and applications
Edited by
Gerald Scott
Professor Emeritus in Polymer Science, Aston University, UK
and the late
Dan Gilead
Founder and Director of the College of Plastics Technology of Israel
luni
SPRINGER-SCIENCE+BUSINESS MEDIA, B.V.
First edltion 1995
© 1995 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
Originally published by Chapman & Hali in 1995
Softcover reprint ofthe hardcover Ist edition 1995
Typeset in 10/12 pt Times by Thomson Press (1) Ltd, New Delhi, India
ISBN 978-94-010-4253-6 ISBN 978-94-011-0571-2 (eBook)
DOI 10.1007/978-94-011-0571-2
Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes ofresearch or private study, or
criticism or review, as permitted under the UK Copyright Designs and Patents
Act, 1988, this publication may not be reproduced, stored, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, wlthout the prior permission in
writing ofthe publishers, or in the case of reprographic reproduction only in
accordance with the terms of the Iicences issued by the Copyright Licensing
Agency in the UK, or in accordance with the terms oflicences issued by the
appropriate Reproduction Rights Orgamzation outslde the UK. Enquiries
concerning reproduction outside the terms stated here should be sent to the
publishers at the London address printed on this page.
The publisher makes no representation, express or Implied, wlth regard to
the accuracy ofthe information contained in this book and cannot accept any
legal responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions that may be made.
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
Library ofCongress Catalog Card Number: 95-68501
8
Printed on acid-free text paper, manufactured in accordance wlth
ANSIINISO Z39.48~ 1992 (Permanence of Paper)
This book is dedicated to the memory of
Dan Gilead
Contents
Contributors xi
Preface xiii
I Introduction to the abiotic degradation of carbon chain
polymmers 1
Gerald Scott
Summary 1
1.1 Abiotic polymer degradation: precursor to biodegradation 1
1.2 Environmental oxidation of polymers 3
1.3 Antioxidants and stabilizers 7
1.4 Control of polymer oxidation during processing and use 11
References 16
2 An overview of biodegradable polymers and biodegradation
of polymers 18
Samuel J. Huang and Peter G. Edelman
Summary 18
2.1 Introduction 19
2.2 Biomedical polymers 19
2.3 Biodegradable polymers in polymer waste management 23
2.4 Conclusion 23
References 24
3 Techniques and mmechanisms of polymmer degradation 29
Sigbritt Karlsson and Ann-Christine Albertsson
Summary 29
3.1 Introduction 29
3.2 Inert and degradable polymers 30
3.3 Degradation mechanisms 31
viii Contents
3.4 Analyses and characterization 33
References 41
4 Biodegradation of aliphatic polyesters 43
Suming Li and Michel Vert
Summary 43
4.1 Introduction 43
4.2 Biodegradation mechanisms 48
4.3 Biodegradable aliphatic polyesters 55
4.4 Conclusions 75
References 76
5 Properties and applications of bacterially derived
polyhydroxyalkanoates 88
T Hammond and J. J. Liggat
Summary 88
5.1 Introduction 89
5.2 Thermal and mechanical properties ofPHBV
(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate 90
5.3 Physical properties: increasing the sidechain length 94
5.4 Copolyesters of 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and
4-hydroxybutyrate (4HB) 96
5.5 The crystal structure of PHBV polymers 97
5.6 Thermal stability 102
5.7 Biodegradation 105
5.8 Processing techniques and applications used for the
BiopolTM range of polymers 108
5.9 Conclusion 109
References 109
6 Starch-polymer composites 112
Catia Bastioli
Summary 112
6.1 Introduction 112
6.2 Starch-filled plastics 113
6.3 Thermoplastic starch 116
6.4 Starch-based materials on the market 129
6.5 Conclusions 133
References 133
7 The science and engineering of polymer composite degradation 138
Richard P. Wool
Summary 138
7.1 Degradation mechanisms 138
Contents ix
7.2 The degradation equation 140
7.3 Definitions 141
7.4 Standards for biodegradable plastics 142
7.5 Science of biodegradable blends 144
7.6 Conclusions 151
Acknowledgements 151
References 151
8 Ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymers 153
George Harlan and Chester Kmiec
Summary 153
8.1 Introduction 153
8.2 Polymerization ofE/CO 155
8.3 Analyses for CO content 155
8.4 Physical properties 155
8.5 Fabrication 157
8.6 Degradation mechanisms 157
8.7 Effects of degradation 158
8.8 Products of degradation 162
8.9 Early property loss 162
8.10 Effect of temperature on degradation 163
8.11 Litter simulation 164
8.12 Recycle ofE/CO copolymer 164
8.13 Mixtures with other polymers 165
8.14 Potential new applications 165
8.15 Future directions 166
References 167
9 Photo-biodegradable plastics 169
Gerald Scott
Summary 169
9.1 The need for degradable polymers 169
9.2 Technical requirements of degradable polymers 170
9.3 Agricultural plastics 171
9.4 Packaging plastics 175
9.5 Control of biodegradation by means of antioxidants 177
9.6 Conclusions 182
Acknowledgements 183
References 183
10 Photodegradable plastics in agriculture 186
Dan Gilead
Summary 186
10.1 The use of plastics in agriculture 186
x Contents
10.2 The disposal of mulching films after use 190
10.3 Economic aspects of mulching films 196
10.4 Other applications of photodegradable plastics in
agriculture 197
References 199
11 The role of degradable polymers in agricultural systems 200
Augustino Fabbri
Summary 200
11.1 Plasticulture 200
11.2 Photodegradable films 201
11.3 Mid-bed trenching 202
11.4 Nitrogenous fertilizer reduction 203
11.5 Acceleration of crop maturation 205
11.6 Potential crop contamination by heavy metals 208
References 215
12 Plastics and the environment 216
James Guillet
Summary 216
12.1 Introduction 216
12.2 Resource considerations for plastics 217
12.3 Energy and resource analysis 219
12.4 Environmental considerations for packaging materials 224
12.5 Paper versus plastic - an environmental assessment 226
12.6 The role of photodegradable plastics in packaging 228
12.7 Technology of photodegradable plastics 230
12.8 Comparative strategies for litter abatement 234
12.9 Biodegradation studies on photodegraded plastics 236
References 245
13 Degradable polymers in waste and litter control 247
Gerald Scott and Dan Gilead
Summary 247
13.1 The role of plastics in packaging 247
13.2 The biological cycle 250
13.3 The degradation environment 252
13.4 The systems approach to waste management 253
13.5 The compatibility of degradable plastics with other waste
management procedures 255
13.6 Conclusions 257
References 257
Index 259
Contributors
Ann-Christine Albertsson T Hammond
Department of Polymer Technology, ZENECA Bio Products, Billingham,
The Royal Institute of Technology, UK
S-100 44 Stockholm,
Sweden George Harlan
Union Carbide Corporation,
Somerset, New Jersey, USA
Catia Bastioli
Novamont Research Center, via
Fauser 8,28100 Novara, Italy Samuel 1. Huang
Institute of Materials Science,
University of Connecticut, Storrs,
Peter G. Edelman CT 06269-3136,
Institute of Materials Science, USA
University of Connecticut, Storrs,
CT 06269-3136,
Sigbritt Karlsson
USA
Department of Polymer Technology,
The Royal Institute of Technology,
Augustino Fabbri S-loo 44 Stockholm,
EniChem Agriocoltura SpA, via Sweden
Balona 107,48100 Ravenna, Italy
Chester Kmiec
Union Carbide Corporation,
Dan Gilead
Somerset, New Jersey, USA
Plastor Technology, Hazorea,
300060 Israel
Suming Li
CRBA, CNRS URA 1465,
James Guillet University of Montpellier 1,
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 15 avenue
University of Toronto, Toronto, Charles Flahault, 34060
Canada, M5S lAI Montpellier, France
xii Contributors
J. J. Liggat Michel Vert
University of Strathclyde, CRBA, CNRS URA 1465,
Department of Chemistry, University of Montpellier 1,
295 Cathedral Street, Faculty of Pharmacy,
Glasgow, GI IXL, UK 15 avenue Charles Flahault,
34060 Montpellier, France
Gerald Scott Richard P. Wool
Department of Chemical Composites Manufacturing
Engineering and Applied Science Laboratory,
Chemistry, Aston University, University of Delaware,
Birmingham B4 7ET, UK Newark, DE 19716-3144, USA