Biodegradable and Biobased Polymers Obtained via Step Polymerization
A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2021) | Viewed by 13000
Special Issue Editor
Interests: synthesis of polymers, mainly via ROP and polycondensation, with control of macromolecular architecture; bioplastics and environmentally friendly polymers; synthesis of green polymers; environmental degradation of plastics and polymers; polymer recycling
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Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Step polymerization is the most common synthetic route used for the preparation of biodegradable and biobased polymers, allowing for a great variety of macromolecular structures and features. Several are the polymer families obtained via step polymerization, with polyesters, polyamides, and polyurethanes being probably the most significant examples, but also other polymers, such as polyethers, commonly synthesized using this approach.
Many challenges have to be faced by these kinds of polymers when dealing with biodegradation, especially when it is coupled with the need for tailored properties that the polymer should have depending on its application field.
For example, biodegradable polymers used in the packaging field should guarantee good mechanical properties for several months, even in harsh environmental conditions. On the other hand, when biomedical applications are targeted, degradation products should not be harmful for the body.
The need for such varied and demanding features makes research around these polymers extremely challenging and stimulating. Consequently, researchers are constantly studying complex macromolecular architectures, hybrid organic/inorganic systems and, more in general, innovative synthetic strategies and processing approaches.
The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight the progresses around step polymerization when it involves the synthesis of biodegradable and biobased polymers to be employed in a wide range of potential applications.
Dr. Marco A. Ortenzi
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- Step polymerization
- Polycondensation
- Biodegradable polymers
- Biobased polymers
- Bioplastics
- Polyamides
- Polyesters
- Polyurethanes
- Polyethers
- Packaging
- Biodegradable polymer composites
- Biodegradable blends
- Hybrid polymers
- Complex macromolecular architecture
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