Using Biodegradable Polymer Experiments To Examine Structure Function Relationships

Polymers are used widely in modern society because they are light in weight, low in cost, and easy to process materials. However, there is an increasing and global-scale concern over the environmental consequences of products made of polymers when they eventually end up in landfills after their intended uses. Polymers derived from agricultural feedstock can be biodegradable and play a role in helping alleviate the environmental concerns. Biodegradable polymers have a wide range of potential applications in markets currently dominated by petroleum-based materials such as drug delivery systems, flushable diapers, controlled release systems for agricultural chemicals, disposable nonwovens, horticultural containers, washable paints, and lubricants.