Open AccessSeawater‐Degradable Polymers—Fighting the Marine Plastic Pollution
Author(s) -
Wang GeXia,
Huang Dan,
Ji JunHui,
Völker Carolin,
Wurm Frederik R.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.202001121
Subject(s) - seawater , polymer , degradation (telecommunications) , environmental science , polymer degradation , pollutant , pollution , marine pollution , environmental chemistry , marine life , materials science , biochemical engineering , chemistry , ecology , organic chemistry , computer science , biology , engineering , telecommunications
Polymers shape human life but they also have been identified as pollutants in the oceans due to their long lifetime and low degradability. Recently, various researchers have studied the impact of (micro)plastics on marine life, biodiversity, and potential toxicity. Even if the consequences are still heavily discussed, prevention of unnecessary waste is desired. Especially, newly designed polymers that degrade in seawater are discussed as potential alternatives to commodity polymers in certain applications. Biodegradable polymers that degrade in vivo (used for biomedical applications) or during composting often exhibit too slow degradation rates in seawater. To date, no comprehensive summary for the degradation performance of polymers in seawater has been reported, nor are the studies for seawater‐degradation following uniform standards. This review summarizes concepts, mechanisms, and other factors affecting the degradation process in seawater of several biodegradable polymers or polymer blends. As most of such materials cannot degrade or degrade too slowly, strategies and innovative routes for the preparation of seawater‐degradable polymers with rapid degradation in natural environments are reviewed. It is believed that this selection will help to further understand and drive the development of seawater‐degradable polymers.