Compostable Polymer Materials

Compostable Polymer Materials, Second Edition, deals with the environmentally important family of polymers designed to be disposed of in industrial and municipal compost facilities after their useful life. These compostable plastics undergo degradation and leave no visible, distinguishable, or toxic residue. Environmental concerns and legislative measures taken in different regions of the world make composting an increasingly attractive route for the disposal of redundant polymers.

This book covers the entire spectrum of preparation, degradation, and evironmental issues related to compostable polymers. It emphasizes recent studies concerning compostability and ecotoxilogical assessment of polymer materials. It descibes the thermal behavior, including flammability properties, of compostable polymers. It also explores possible routes of compostable polymers waste disposal through an ecological lens. Finally, the book examines the economic factors at work, including price evolution over the past decade, the current market, and future perspectives. Compostable Polymer Materials is an essential resource for graduate students and scientists working in chemistry, materials science, ecology, and environmental science.

Provides a comprehensive study of the composting processDetails methods of compostable polymers preparation, including properties, processing and applicationsPresents the state-of-the-art knowledge on ecotoxicity testing and biodegradation under real composting conditions of compostable polymers, as well as biodegradation in various environments, such as marine environments and anaerobic conditionsDiscusses the evolution of waste management in Europe and the United States, as well as the status of MSW disposal and treatment methods in countries such as China and BrazilOverviews biodegradation studies under real composting conditions of products made of compostable polymers, e.g. bags, bottles, cutletryAnalyzes evolution of market development, including price of compostable polymers during the last decade

1. Introduction 2. Compostable Polymer Materials – Definitions, Structure, and Methods of Preparation 3. Properties and Applications 4. Thermal and Thermooxidative Degradation 5. Composting Methods and Legislation 6. Biodegradability Testing of Compostable Polymer Materials Under Laboratory Conditions 7. Biodegradation of Compostable Polymer Materials Under Real Conditions 8. Biodegradation of Compostable Polymer Materials in Various Environments 9. Ecotoxicological Assessement 10. Environmental Impact of Compostable Polymer Materials 11. Waste Treatment of Bio-based Compostable Polymers 12. Perspectives